American Idiot at the New Theatre Cardiff Review
American Idiot
New Theatre, Cardiff
19-23 April 2016
Reviewed by Claire Jones
We visited the New Theatre in Cardiff to see the explosive, award-winning Broadway musical, based on Green Day’s 2004 concept album “American Idiot”, the ambience is the theatre was buzzing, and as always the staff were friendly and helpful.
The story, from the book by Billie Joe Armstrong, expanded from the concept album, set in the recent past, the performance centers on three young men, Johnny, Will, and Tunny, dissatisfied with authority. Johnny and Tunny escape a suburban lifestyle and parental restrictions, while Will stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. Johnny and Tunny look for meaning in life and try seeking the freedom and excitement of the city. Tunny becomes disillusioned and gives up on life in the city to join the military, the recruitment video is hilarious, making life in the army look like the sexiest way of getting in shape, he is soon shipped off to war. Johnny turns to drugs and finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike. He meets up with a girl he calls ‘Whatsername’ played by the talented Amelia Lily, they soon begin a seedy relationship, spiraling into drug abuse. In the meantime, Will’s girlfriend has walked out taking the baby with her and Tunny is in a military hospital, you can feel the hopelessness of the situation for the 3 friends. I won’t go into any more detail or I may spoil the ending, but I would recommend this grungy performance, which was played out excellently with very little props.
The score included all the songs from the original American Idiot album, as well as additional Green Day songs from other sources, such as the album 21st Century Breakdown, being an aging punk I loved the music and the energy of the performers was infectious. The sound balance is perfect you can hear all of Billie Joe Armstrong’s sometimes gritty lyrics. The cast worked perfectly together, and some of the scenes were quite moving.
Parental advisory – Explicit content.
Well worth a visit.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £37 (booking fees may apply).
American Idiot is at the New Theatre in Cardiff until 23 April 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN | 029 2087 8889
