Fly More Than You Fall, Southwark playhouse elephant - engaging and ambitious, though doesn’t quite stick the landing

Robyn Rose-Li and cast in Fly More Than You Fall. Image by Craig Fuller.

⭑⭑⭑ - 53% • 3 minutes 34 seconds read time

Fly More Than You Fall sets its sights high with an ambitious blend of emotional storytelling and whimsical staging. While it doesn’t quite stick the landing, there’s enough to keep you engaged, thanks in no small part to the strong performances and some catchy tunes that will stick with you well after you’ve left the theatre.

The vocal performances across the board are impressive, providing the production with a consistent level of musical quality. Robyn Rose-Li, as Malia, is a real standout, carrying much of the show’s emotional weight with both a compelling presence and a voice that resonates. It’s clear that she’s a star in the making, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for what she does next—she has that rare mix of talent and charisma that draws you in. Even in the show’s weaker moments, she manages to keep the audience invested. Keala Settle, known for The Greatest Showman, brings warmth and gravitas to the role of Jennifer, while Cavin Cornwall offers a strong turn as Paul, capturing a father’s struggle with tenderness.

Max Gill also deserves special mention as Caleb, bringing a delightful touch of humour to the production. Their comedic timing and sharp line delivery add a much-needed buoyancy, and they consistently manage to lift scenes with their wit. In a show that can feel heavy at times, Gill’s performance provides some of the production’s most memorable moments, making them a true standout in the ensemble.

There’s a playfulness to the staging that deserves recognition, too. There’s a sense of wonder to the production, the production team have played with the limited space in creative ways, it sort of feels like a Disney Channel show about grief. There are moments where the set comes alive with unexpected flourishes, and it’s evident that the team behind the scenes put their all into trying to create something visually compelling. The music, too, is a definite highlight. It’s the kind that creeps into your head and stays there, with melodies that are easy to hum along to. There’s a sense of joy in the musical arrangements, even as the story tugs at the heartstrings, and that balance between lightness and sincerity is well-handled for the most part.

But despite these strengths, Fly More Than You Fall struggles to fully deliver on its potential, and that’s where the cracks start to show. The story itself feels too surface-level, never quite delving into the depths that the themes suggest. It skirts around the emotional core, touching on big feelings without allowing us to sit with them for long enough. There’s a sense that the writers wanted to evoke a real emotional punch, but the narrative never quite builds the layers needed to get there. What we’re left with is a story that’s touching, yes, but one that doesn’t linger as much as it should.

A large part of this issue comes down to the decision to introduce the bird characters in the first act. While they’re visually interesting and certainly add a fantastical element, their presence ultimately detracts from the relationship building between Malia and her father—a relationship that should be at the heart of the show. Instead, scenes that could have deepened their bond are cut short or overshadowed by the birds, leaving the emotional journey feeling a bit thin. The second act makes a more effective use of the birds, where they seem better integrated into the story rather than distracting from it, but by then, it feels like an opportunity has been missed.

The production’s ambition to achieve a grand scale within a small space is commendable, but it often results in a cramped feeling that holds the show back. There are moments where you can see the vision straining against the limitations, with scenes that feel overly stilted or constrained by the space they have to work in. It’s a shame, as you can sense the potential for something truly special, but instead, we’re left with a show that feels caught between two worlds—striving for magic but ultimately held back by its own scope. The bones of something wonderful are there, but it just needs more work to bring all the elements together and let the story breathe.

All that being said, there’s a charm to Fly More Than You Fall that makes it worth a watch, even if it doesn’t reach the heights it aims for. The vocal performances alone, especially from Rose-Li and Settle, provide enough to make the experience worthwhile, and Max Gill’s comedic flair adds a welcome lightness. There’s a genuine sense of heart that comes through, even when the execution falters. It’s not a perfect show, but it’s one that shows promise—both for its talented cast and for a creative team that isn’t afraid to take risks. With some refinement and a more focused approach, it could become something truly special. As it stands, it’s a pleasant enough night out, even if it leaves you wanting a bit more.

Fly More Than You Fall is running at Southwark Playhouse: Elephant until November 23rd. More information and tickets here.