SOS Presents 
Mayflower Studios, Southampton 
Jade Morrell 
9 July 2025
This week, the Southampton Operatic Society bring John Caird & Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden to life in a vibrant and sensitively charged production at the Mayflower Mast. Stephen Schwartz is best known for his juggernaut musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell, which have been worldwide acclaimed and cemented his place as one of musical theatre’s most celebrated composers. However, Children of Eden, a lesser-known gem from his repertoire, often does not receive the same level of recognition as these blockbuster successes. With its biblical themes, rich score, and complex emotional backstory, it is a show that might not immediately jump to the forefront of most theatregoers’ minds. But Children of Eden proves that being less familiar does not mean it is any less powerful.
At the heart of the show was Sophie Barnard, who played the dual roles of Eve and Mama. Her voice was nothing short of extraordinary. Every note rang with emotion, whether she was singing the innocent hopefulness of “The Spark of Creation” or the sorrowful lament of “A World Without You.” Barnard’s portrayal of Eve was tender and deeply human, giving the character a layer of vulnerability that truly resonated with the audience. When she transitioned into Mama, the maturity in her voice added another dimension to the performance. Barnard’s vocal range and emotive delivery were highlights of the evening, truly elevating the production.
Liam Baker, who alternated between the roles of Adam and Noah, added another layer of depth to the performance. His Adam was earnest and compassionate, while his Noah exhibited a quiet strength and wisdom. Both roles allowed Baker to display his range, and his clear, controlled voice was a perfect fit for Schwartz’s beautiful, intricate score. There was a depth to his portrayal that was not only engaging but also heartwarming, especially during Noah’s final moments, where he poignantly sang “The Flood.”
Mike Pavitt delivered a commanding performance as Father, capturing the character’s authority and presence with strength and precision. His powerful vocals were a standout, bringing a dynamic energy to the role that anchored the production.
Alongside these powerhouses, Kenny Adegbola brought an incredible energy to the roles of Cain and Japheth. His performance was dynamic and charismatic, shifting naturally from the uneasy Cain to the more playful Japheth. Adegbola’s ability to convey such complex emotional states within the same production was notable. His strong voice and stage presence made him a standout, particularly during the show-stopping “Lost in the Wilderness,” where he truly showcased his vocal power and depth. They were all supported amongst the other principal ‘Children’ showcasing equally strong vocals from Lara Almeida, Felix Gilham, Eva McManus, Freya Golding, George Laidlaw and Nick Hallen (when his mic was on!)
The production was undoubtedly in safe hands, thanks to the expert direction of Adam Myers. His vision for the show brought clarity and cohesion. Myers carefully guided his cast to create an emotionally rich and polished performance, ensuring every moment felt unwavering and resonant. The pacing of the production flowed seamlessly, with the quieter, more intimate moments balancing out the larger ensemble numbers.
Visually, the production excelled. The choice to use videography for the backdrop, rather than relying on awkward and often distracting physical set pieces, was a total success. The projected images added to the story’s ethereal quality without overshadowing the performances. The visuals by Kevin Wilkins were subtle yet effective, weaving together the themes of nature, creation, and destruction with fluidity and grace.
Equally deserving of praise was the slick and simple choreography from Zoie Golding MBE. The movements felt organic and in tune with the music, never over-complicated or excessive. Golding’s focus on fluid, natural movement allowed the emotional weight of the songs to come through while still creating striking visual moments. To compliment, the band provided a rich sound that helped carry the emotional weight of the production, always in sync with the performers, creating a cohesive and polished sound. When everyone on stage came together for the final number ‘In the Beginning,’ it felt an intimate and raw moment, where every voice was united in harmony – it was a stunning testament to the power of collective effort in storytelling.
One of the most pleasant surprises of the evening was how Children of Eden managed to find a balance between its biblical origins and universal themes. While the show draws heavily from the Bible, it never felt preachy or overly religious. Instead, it reminded the audience of the timelessness of the stories, exploring the human emotions and struggles that continue to resonate across generations. The production highlighted the complexity of family bonds, the inevitable mistakes we make, and the lessons we learn.
Children of Eden is a show that requires not only vocal and acting talent but also a deep emotional understanding of its characters. In the hands of the Southampton Operatic Society, it became something truly special. The music, the voices, and the creative choices combined to create an evening of theatre that felt every bit as professional as a West End production.
Don’t miss your chance to see this powerful production—I’d encourage you to book your tickets now and be part of a truly compelling night at the theatre.
