In the beginning there was only chaos, and a desperate need for a hero in fluro, to guide us through accident-prone roads and avoid accidental death.

Enter our hero at the wheel, Sophie (Lily Tyler Moore). She’s a young visionary at the Ministry of Transport who wants to do good in the world, one road sign at a time. She tackles the Give Way Rule, encountering unexpected obstacles and curious characters along her road.

Complete with clipboard, Sophie’s energy and harmonies lead us straight to the heart of Give Way – The Musical. Yes way! These catchy songs shine in this premiere season at Circa and the harmonies I could listen to all day, plus the banger of a sound track before, during and after the show.

Give Way gives more than a great story, a stellar cast and bopping musical numbers to boot, led by traffic director – I mean music director – Hayden Taylor. He continues to amaze me in everything he does, while playing in character AND playing keys, plus navigating dancing percussion instruments and flying mail bags. Add a few Bond inspired stunts, music, and effects shaken in for good measure. What a legend!

This out-of-the-box musical is a perfect commentary, combining what could be with history to inspire a change in all of us for the better, by doing what is right, instead of what was done before. Or was it?

Speaking of changes, the quick changes between our multi-talented cast leave no laughs unturned throughout office scenes, no costume opportunities lost during protest scenes, and leaves our Give Way audience wanting more.

We need more of Jackson Burling’s beautifully cringey heart stopper Ben, who shuffles his papers and his feet artfully to win over Sophie during her campaign to Give Way-ness.

Hold the Stop Sign! I interrupt this review to announce Burling is joining the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival’s Monster Songs monster mash-up and I need to stop screaming in excitement to finish this review. ARGH! Okay and Go. Yes, go and see that too.

We also need more of Alex Greig’s Randall, the mysterious icon who fought history to change the past, and returns to tackle the ominous future, armed with the most mysteriously dangerous mind that only Greig could climb so far and recklessly into, and turn into such a talented work of comedic art.

We always need more of Bronwyn Turei, who lights up every scene like a rock star, and like antagonist (or villain) Nic in pink, could easily lead any protest to success as our hearts are won over time and time again. And that voice!

Carrie Green adds effortless class and also disgust to her role as the wise and overworked (she thinks so) Tanya, who jumps overboard to support Sophie’s mission, as much as Sophie’s loving parents welcome Sophie’s latest project (Green and Greig again) (they don’t).

The clever writing of Steven Page has us falling – in love and laughter – for every character, while they fall over themselves (carefully) on this dangerous yet entertaining mission to change the rules and reduce road accidents by 7 per cent. This may be something that Page knows a little about from his experience as a courier driver, along with the countless other talents this Invercargill treasure holds.

Staged in the always stunning Circa Stadium that is Circa One, the roundabout set (by set and costume designer Tony De Goldi) is perfect for framing every scene in motion while the instructional panels surrounding it provide perfect positions for the cast to utilise during all my favourite group numbers including ‘Give Way’, and ‘Long Years Ago’.

I would like to see these used even more because they are genius, as are all the group songs, but I appreciate the cast is only five actors, even though it feels like 25 from all the energy, effects and smoke coming from the stage. Not to mention the road cones – would it be Wellington without those?

Not since Beyonce’s hit ‘Irreplaceable’ have directions like “To the left, to the left” hit such a chord in my heart. My new favourite lines from Give Way include these gems: “My one day soon is now,” and “Nothing is the last thing that you need” – both inspiring calls to action!. “The burden I bear” is also stunning.

I would love to hear more of the amazing vocals and harmonies which are such a treat, but alas there is only one of each actor and no AI replicas, which is why the show is so brilliant and real. The only way to see and hear more is to go again, pass go and collect $200. Oh sorry, wrong reference.

I hope for a prequel and a sequel and a Zequel if that’s a thing. No wonder Give Way won the 2023 McNaughton South Island Play Award in the esteemed Adam NZ Play Awards. And if there aren’t more iterations then we will just have to see every possible show featuring the amazing writing of Steven Page, incredible directing by Jacqueline Coats, the smooth music direction of Hayden Taylor and time-stopping choreography by Manuel Solomon.

It’s so wonderful to be captivated into a show like this that is amazing at everything including magical things like eerie lighting created by our lighting director (Will Smith, Tungsten Projects, also production manager), operated by Paige Johns, and spooky sounds by sound designer Oliver Devlin, operated by Sarah Davitt. Give Way’s wardrobe by Sharon Johnstone makes everything look beautifully in place or magically out of place, as planned.

I am also impressed by the nearly full audience for a Sunday matinee, so props to Leah McFall on publicity police, because I know the audience is always an important character in any show and I luck out with this crowd. The high interest is not surprising, because everything Dave Armstrong touches as a writer, or producer in this case, turns to heartfelt and comedy gold.

In case you are still wondering after all that, the answer is Yes: THIS is your sign to book both ways (at the box office or online) before crossing the road to Circa QUICK SMART.

Start your engines, or power up your hybrids because you are in for a treat never seen this way OR that way before!

Images by Roc Torio, Roc+ Photography 

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer