P/REVIEW: Lockdown musical The Space Between

Brian Butler enjoys this enchanting mini-musical specially written for and during lockdown.

West End star David Hunter (Waitress, Kinky Boots and Once ) and actor/singer/songwriter Caroline Kay ( The Clockmaker’s Daughter) have come together virtually to write, perform and record  a 13-minute musical called “ The Space Between” that will leave  you wanting more.

The writing process, rehearsal and performance have all been done on social media and the couple have never actually met, though they knew of each other’s work.

The project, which goes live this week on YouTube , is raising money  for the Theatre Actors Fund, the Netflix/Sam Mendes -led emergency fund for theatre workers in need of urgent support during the pandemic.

David told Gscene: “ I came up with the beginnings of an idea about  a couple  separated by lockdown, with all the drama played out through video calls but Caroline and I developed the story together , as we wrote the songs. “ Caroline added: “ The whole project has been put together in under 2 months”.

The duo collaborated by voice notes and text , and each took the lead in writing their solo songs, with one final highly emotional duet to end the show.

So is this 13 minutes all there’ll be of this show? They both agree yes, but don’t rule out other collaborations.

So how was it? I watched it twice and the songs bear a second listen. It’s a glimpse into thwarted love, into heartbreak, genuine feeling and the pain of separation. The songs are straightforward, open and a delight to hear.

Go make a coffee and sit and listen, and watch below: