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Little Miss Sunshine brought naughtiness and laughter to The Marlowe Theatre

Without having seen the film, it's easy to assume Little Miss Sunshine is a clean, innocent story of a young girl vying to be a Beauty Queen.

But it's not.

Through Olive's mission to be an unlikely pageant Queen, there are songs about sex, several drug references and a frank discussion about suicide.

And although those issues don't go hand in hand with a comedy musical, it was done sensitively with a dash of humour.

Evie Gibson and Mark Moraghan in Little Miss Sunshine Picture: Richard H Smith (14015821)
Evie Gibson and Mark Moraghan in Little Miss Sunshine Picture: Richard H Smith (14015821)

Mark Moraghan played a rock and roll grandad who had been kicked out of his care home. It was a complete contrast with the serious doctor he played in Holby City for several years.

He played a comedy legend who made inappropriate comments and songs in front of his grandchildren.

The musical is an adaptation of the Oscar winning film of the same name released in 2006. It follows the Hoover family as they take the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California.

Little Miss Sunshine Picture: Manuel Harlan (14003412)
Little Miss Sunshine Picture: Manuel Harlan (14003412)

But with an uncle who has recently tried to commit suicide, a granddad who got kicked out of his care home and a mute brother - Olive and her parents were up against it.

Although it was a very extreme version of family life, there were aspects that everyone could relate to.

The star performance came from Olive, played by Evie Gibson, who expertly came back from a minor slip on her wedding dress, yes, wedding dress, to carry on with her winning performance.

If you get the chance to watch, whether you're a fan of the film or like me have never seen it, you should definitely grab a ticket.

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