It Takes A Lot Not To End Up Dead | NiK NaK Productions
In this unique musical cabaret, local folk singer-songwriter Lizzie Flynn takes us on a heartwarming journey through her youth via the key people and events that inspired her repertoire of original songs. It Takes A Lot Not To End Up Dead is a fun and wholesome time.
I’m a big fan of putting singing and storytelling together. Singing itself is storytelling, but add a sprinkle of honest, in-character storytelling and you’ve got something extra special.
Lizzie stepped onto the stage, suitcase in hand, looking around in anticipation of what was to unfold. What followed were real lived tales of first love, heartbreak, uncertainty and longing. Our protagonist was joined by a younger version of herself, played by Ella Macrokanis who gave a standout performance that was emotive and captivating, and what a voice! Side by side the two Lizzies wrote in and read from the diary which held the narrative in its pages. The script written by Pat Flynn carried us through the songs, from slow sentimental pieces to bopping ditties, all originals written by Lizzie Flynn.
Lizzie’s warmth and cheer shine through in her performance and her wit and passion show in her evocative and poetic songwriting. Her songs are emotionally deep and sometimes dark, yet always upbeat and positive. They’ll have you dancing in your seat, clapping and singing along, but listen more closely and you’ll hear the honesty and raw emotion behind them. Her lyrics pack a punch. They sure tugged on my heartstrings. Not to mention the tunes – especially the title track – are so. darn. catchy.
The two stars of the show were beautifully supported by a talented menagerie of multi-disciplinary musicians; Gareth Mewes on violin, Sam De Santi on percussion, Peter Stewart on keyboard and Rory Dollard on guitar.
I would have loved to see more movement on stage during the storytelling between songs, but given the limited space available on the tiny stage at Banshee’s Bar in Ipswich, the cast really did their best with what they had!
At times I found myself completely absorbed by the enchanting harmonies, the heartfelt retelling of relatable tales, the reflection on life’s adventures, and the sweet homage to the past self. It was so interesting to see the same story told collaboratively from the two perspectives of the character in different stages of her life. I felt the love Lizzie felt for her younger self, and understood the acceptance that she had done the best she knew how to with all the knowledge she had at that time in her life.
