Whistle Down the Wind is based on a book which, when published in the late 1950s, was risky for its time. The book was also followed by a movie so the content of the musical is not original. Though there have been some changes to the stage adaptation the story remais basically the same.

Three motherless children (Swallow, Brat and Poor Baby) discover an escaped criminal in their barn and mitakenly assume he is Jesus Christ. The musical is set in the 1950s in the south and tensions are high in a town filled with racism and religious righteousness.

This show was an Andrew Lloyd Webber production so I was expecting some great and memorable songs. I’m not sure it really delivered. There were a number of songs I thought were either unnecessary, went overly long or were reprises of songs already sung. No Matter What, the most memorable song, I’m sure was reprised up to maybe five times during the show. Just as well it was a good song! The singing was pretty good and the kids as a whole (probably outnumbering the adults) were especially cute and sweet. The orchestra were great, as usual.

As for the two main leads, Claire Marlowe, as Swallow, was sweet but at times seemed a little tense in playing her supposedly 15 year old character. Aussie Tim Rogers was definitely a fit muscular Jesus Christ and definitely gave his all in his numbers.

To use the words of American Idol judge Randy Jackson, It was just alright for me.

Just wanted to note that The Palace is one of the nicer theatres I’ve been to. Gorgeous and ornate surrounds, they keep the lighting low to give a warm intimate atmosphere.