Moonlight – The Philip Lynott Enigma (Review)
- Simon
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
⭐⭐⭐ and a half
“The Boy is Back in Town"
Our review of Moonlight - The Phillip Lynott Enigma: This is a musical that reflects on Phil Lynott’s early life, the formation of Thin Lizzy and his premature death.
Staged at the Hammersmith Apollo where Thin Lizzy's 1978 live album “Live and Dangerous” was recorded just added to the poignancy.
Before the show opens Eric Bell, original guitarist Thin Lizzy enters the stage to rapturous applause and reminisces his time with Phil Lynott in those early days as well as teasing us with the opening riff of "Whiskey in the Jar".
The show opens with a wonderful acoustic version of "Moonlight" and Phil Lynott's passing and finding himself in “Tír na bhFilí,” the land of the Poets along with Irish giants Oscar Wilde and Brendan Behan. Brendan Behan (played by Padraic O’Loingsigh) allowing him to tell his early story in his own words.
As his single Irish mother struggling in England, Philomena, (played by West End star Mazz Murray) sends young Phil to live with his grandparents in Crumlin, a working-class Dublin suburb.
In his own words, being a “black Irish bastard” in a white dominated 1960s Ireland was not an easy path. However, Lynott soon fully embraced Irelands culture and musical heritage and we explore his musical passions. These include the Dublin and London music scenes of 1960s, his musical influences Like Jimmy Hendrix as well as early Thin Lizzy supporters Radio Caroline DJs John Peel and Kid Jenson.
The production only lightly touches on his decent that eventually led to his premature death at 36. The focus is much more on his early life, relationship with his mother and his lifelong interest in poetry, song and music comparing and lauding his genius to Oscar Wilde and Brendan Behan. Once they understand “rock music” they agree Lynott justly sits amongst them with ongoing lasting impact.
There are some poignant and tender moments throughout especially the with original duet between Lynott and his mother “See you on the other side”. Philomena outlived her son and the song rewrites his relationship with his mother and imagines a meeting between the two after his death.
Peter M. Smith stars as Philip Lynott. He is fantastic and completely inhabits the role as well as managing the distinctive voice and movements.
There were issues with the lighting at the Hammersmith Apollo which mainly focuses on live acts, which may not be the case in other more theatrical venues. I also think that the production is over long and some of the original songs by other characters (for example Oscar Wilde) could be cut without changing the narrative.
The second half has much more energy and eventually finishes with a mini gig with full live band playing Thin Lizzy songs including the return of Eric Bell for a full version of Whiskey in the Jar which has the audience on their feet. The audience clearly wanted more of this. Where were "The Boys are Back in Town"?
MOONLIGHT: The Philip Lynott Enigma
Book and Music by John Merrigan & Danielle Merrigan
Directed by Jason Figgis
TOUR DATES
Glasgow
Pavillion Theatre
Wednesday 20th May
Newcastle
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Thursday 21st May
Dartford
Orchard Theatre
Friday 22nd May
Birmingham
The Alexandra
Saturday 23rd May
Dublin
Vicar St
Thursday 11th & Friday 12th June
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