BYMT presents: The Clockmaker’s City

BYMT takes you to a dystopian world full of heart and soul That’s full of life.

Photo Credit: Tyler Whiting

At 19:04, we walked through the doors of Z Arts, and I was instantly surprised by the size of the venue. It was my first time here, and it had artwork of all different styles attached to the walls. There is a bar on the left-hand side, with stairs on the right leading to more spaces where they hold events and workshops.

At 19:20, I sat down with plenty of time as I took in the staging. The stage is set up with an upper level where the incredible band sits. Musical Director and Keys 1, Amy Hsu; Assistant Musical Director and Keys 2, Elise Marra; clarinet and flute player Katherine Porter; cello player Bethan Thomas; and percussion player Josh Borman are positioned at the back of the stage. There are two ladders leading to the lower stage. There are also two smaller stages on either side that expand the performance space and make it feel larger. At the top of the upper stage sits the grandmaster clock, overlooking us all. The Clockmaker’s City is about a group of townspeople who follow a clock that dictates their schedules, and whoever questions the Clockmaker or the clock meets mysterious consequences.

At 19:30, the show begins. The lights dim, and the music starts. The performers enter from all sides of the stage, and the energy is electric. You can feel the excitement and nerves crackling in the air, which explode to life as the show begins. Despite a couple of technical difficulties, you can see these growing professionals are stars in the making. Their passion for the stage shines through in every moment, especially in the way they handled those difficulties.

The choreography is impeccable: sharp and precise throughout. Paul Smethurst is to be applauded for the incredible moves that bring the lyrics of the songs to life. The stage is utilised to the fullest, with the two smaller stages on either side helping more performers execute the dances. Many of the routines hit every beat the music is making, which helps bring a more powerful impact to the songs. It makes the music feel and sound louder, and the impact can be felt right to the back of the theatre. The moves feel fresh and different every time they perform. The energy is off the charts! Not once does a single performer feel like they are lagging behind. Every single one of them gives one hundred per cent, and it is incredible to witness.

Photo Credit: Tyler Whiting

As mentioned before, there is a live band throughout, and they are cleverly incorporated into the staging. The music was at just the right volume, allowing you to clearly make out the words being sung. The timing and improvisation were incredible, displaying a great partnership between the musicians and actors, even down to the little things, such as extending musical pieces to allow for seamless transitions and enabling the actors to perfectly hit their marks.

Natasha Harrison directs the show, and what a wonderful job she has done! The show is only one hour and twenty-five minutes long, but it never feels compressed or rushed, and the emotions are felt more intimately in ways that bigger stages cannot convey. It is paced perfectly, with just the right balance of dialogue and music. The stage is used to its fullest potential, with the upper level never being neglected. Instead, it is used to showcase the hierarchy of the characters, pushing the story further. Everything, from the costumes to the lighting, works beautifully together. You can easily distinguish the leaders from the workers of the town. The second half elevates the story, taking it into deeper themes with an exciting and intense finale.

The storyline itself is easy to follow and engaging. The play explores deep themes with timeless commentary that applies even to the modern day. Light-hearted jokes are scattered throughout, well timed and resulting in chuckles and cackles across the audience. At the heart of the story is a family who must see things through each other's eyes to understand one another's pressures, struggles, and actions. Caitlyn Burt and Jonathan Ainscough are to be congratulated for their well-written, well-paced, and intriguing script.

Sadly, at 20:50, the show is over, and quite frankly, I do not want it to end. For my first show as a solo reviewer, I am deeply honoured that I got to witness so many stars whom I know are going to become incredible actors—because they already are. I walked out wondering what BYMT will do next and reflecting on how much I enjoyed my time at Z Arts.

You can still catch The Clockmaker’s City at Z Arts until the 2nd of August, and you can book your tickets here.