Nov 2003

Well then, another business trip, another opportunity to indulge in the West End stage. Made while the esteemed President “Dubya” was visiting our fine country, it was perhaps fitting that after dodging the protestors and secret servicemen, I grabbed three shows that have their focus across (or on) the dividing pond.

Thoroughly Modern Millie - Shaftesbury
Amanda Holden proves here that she can do more than television would have us believe - notably sing and dance (who knew?), and although her singing was drowned out by the orchestra on several occasions, this seemed to be more of a sound problem than a lack of throttle on her part.

An excellent cast helps this show tremendously, and it never fails to keep the interest. Brisk, pacy numbers and choreography, with some clever touches in the design add to the bright, lively, fun feel of the piece, and some of the comic touches sprinkled throughout are marvellous. This said, there are question marks. The songs are bright and familiar to the ear, being based on the music of the time (20s US), but aren’t all winners by any means. Marti Webb’s Chinese accent (Mrs. Meers) is difficult to decipher much of the time, and I for one would have liked to hear a little more of that distinctive singing voice of hers.

Most problematic, though, was the unsatisfactory and incomplete resolution at the end - particularly with respect to the Trevor Graydon character. The audience feels for him (courtesy of a cracking performance by Craig Urbani), but his position remains unresolved at the dénouement. Though some closure for the character is attempted, it is less than convincing and it appears to be an afterthought. Nevertheless, the various plotlines are generally well-handled where they could easily have become messy or distracting.

Overall, this is a satisfying piece, which never drags, and always entertains. Amanda Holden, should she wish to continue on the West End stage, will, I have no doubt, have plenty of offers so to do - and justifiably so.

Jerry Springer The Opera - Cambridge
The most concerted attempt at blasphemy, vulgarity and bad taste - sounding less like an opera/musical than a choral mass for the ‘moral low ground’ - which it holds, to paraphrase a line, with conviction. That could be a criticism or a bold statement of admiration (post-modern, ironic, or otherwise). To an extent it is both, or rather, a mixture of the two. While I would not go as over-the-top in praising the show as many others have done, it is tremendously funny, and entertaining (but those easily offended should steer clear). The end of Act 1, for example, is glorious, ending as it does in a Broadway-style finalé with the most unlikely of participants.

The songs aren’t the best in the world, and the lyrics, though punchy, are scarce (repetition and note-extension abound), but the performances are strong, brazen and confident (and need to be, given the content). If you take the subject matter seriously (and there will be some people who do) offence will be generated, so it’s not necessarily one for the whole family. As for the rest, however, anyone who has even a passing reference to confessional chat shows of this genre will recognise the format and characterisations, and setting the whole thing to music is inspired. Jerry Eleison indeed.

Anything Goes - Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Did I really want to see another production of the Cole Porter classic? Well, no, not really, but in an example of what exceptional reviews can do for a show, I went to see the show. I can see what they mean. A nifty set, strong cast and sure direction all bolster what is a flimsy plot - one that can become tiresome in lesser hands. Though the odd piece does still go astray, the majority of the humour is played to perfection - particularly by Simon Day (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh), and particularly in ‘The Gypsy In Me’ - a worth-the-ticket-price-alone performance if ever I saw one.

Some may gripe at yet another revival, and such an oft-attempted one, but this really is an absolute gem - a standard-setting production up to which all others should now be held. If you doubt the reviews, doubt no longer - go see - you’ll be smiling all the way home.

Cold, wet, bleak winter is not when London is at its best. Despite this, all of the shows seen here were very nearly full houses. This is good news. I like good news. There should be more of it about. Best wishes of the season to all.

David Heppell
david.heppell@eidosnet.co.uk