Category Archives: Theatre

The Pride, Trafalgar Studios

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After a series of musical theatre trips, it is perhaps unsurprising that I found The Pride to be so hard-hitting. Writer Alexi Kaye Campbell’s first play won a variety of awards in 2008. This Royal Court original graduated to the West End after rave reviews; it is a niche production that is perhaps better suited to the smaller boutique stage… but nonetheless makes a lasting impression at Trafalgar Studios.

On press night Trafalgar Square was buzzing, a petite red carpet flattered the egos of the celebrities in attendance and paparazzi flashed away. PR-wise this play could not arrive at a better time, poignantly outlining the injustices homosexuals have had to overcome, as Russia struggles with similar issues. There was certainly a feeling of protest in the air, cemented when the cast took their final curtain call with ‘To Russia With Love’ placards.

Sitting in the third row of the stalls I found the action on stage startlingly painful at times, and noticed myself audibly gasping… testament to the effective writing and powerful acting. The play alternates between 1958 and 2008, leaping between the two wildly different eras harshly addressing the changes in attitude to homosexuality. We are immediately thrown into the love triangle of ‘happily married’ Sylvia and Philip and their creative friend Oliver. It is intense from the very start, we soon learn that Philip is a deeply closeted gay man while Oliver is more comfortable with his orientation. It is a story of discovery and denial as the characters battle with their situations and complicated feelings.

Soutra Gilmour’s stark set allows the characters to always be the focus of our attention. A vintage glass wall is the only permanent feature, reflecting the ever changing sequences on stage. Hayley Atwell is stunning as Sylvia giving a piercing but nuanced performance, Al Weaver is natural and confident on stage, Harry Hadden-Paton is alarmingly sensitive and convincing and Mathew Horne is utterly hysterical, they make a great team and seem to genuinely enjoy interacting together.

If the topic doesn’t interest you particularly still go and see The Pride for the brilliant acting, wonderful direction and beautiful writing.

Continues until 9 November, book here.

www.thepridewestend.com

Titanic the musical, Southwark Playhouse

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It was my first visit to the temporary, new location of Southwark Playhouse… despite it’s convenient location moments away from Elephant & Castle tube station, I was running seriously late. Sweating and panting, I squeezed into an empty seat in the packed auditorium. I had no idea what to expect.

The cast exploded onto the stage, belting out in big, passionate voices, striding about keen to convey their message. This somewhat barren theatre suddenly glowed with life and enthusiasm. Titanic is a bold musical with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston adapted from a book by Peter Stone. When it opened on Broadway in 1997, although a lavish and large production it was a commercial flop despite winning five Tony Awards including the award for Best Musical. Here, Thom Southerland’s production is rather more minimal with a sparse set and few props.

We watch how this great ship thrills or disappoints individual characters of different ages and circumstances. Young lovers, middle class couples, and perhaps most touching (and convincing), the elderly couple Mr and Mrs Strauss who stick together until the end. The music reminded me immediately of Les Miserables, with big emotion and vigour. The cast rise to the challenge and the ensemble sound is particularly impressive. Southerland’s direction is of the highest quality creating a show which paints this terrible tale with conviction and courage.

Cementing this important historical moment in the great American songbook, Maury Yeston’s version of Titanic is a triumph and a must for all musical theatre fans.

Titantic continues until 31 August, book here.

southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-large/titanic

Limbo, Southbank

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After seeing the mentalist Derren Brown I have decided that some kind of superhuman powers do actually exist. Limbo showcases superhuman talents of other kinds: physical strength, bravery and daring creativity. I’ve seen many of the Southbank’s Udderbelly summer productions but this show was significantly the most impressive and engaging.

With less of the clowning around and more hardcore awe-inspiring acts, it is impossible not to be amazed by these crazy artists as they eat fire, swing backwards on poles over the audience and contort and balance with unbelievable facility and confidence.

The band are magnificent too, providing a wacky soundtrack to the acts. Composer and musical director Gene ‘Sxip’ Shirey has created an experimental and imaginative score with contributions from various cast members. He uses a harmonica, tuba and megaphone throughout adding a sense of mayhem to the action.

I could highlight the individual performers but really a show like Limbo is all about the ensemble and magical teamwork. Each using their own special talents, the cast members create a 75 minute show that is addictively good. Big ideas on a small scale always carry a risk but Limbo triumph with staggering dexterity and wonderful charm.

Continues until Sunday 29 September, more information here.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/limbo