Tag Archives: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

THOROUGHLY MODERN MISSY: Porgy and Bess, Regent’s Park

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While London is experiencing one of its biggest heat waves in recent history, it would seem that there is no better time to sample some of the city’s amazing outdoor entertainments. The success of Timothy Sheader’s seventh season as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is crowned by the current production of Porgy and Bess. The sense of occasion starts from the moment you enter the circular vicinity of the actual theatre; there’s a palpable feeling of suspenseful anticipation in the air as the audience bustle around the different bars and buffets before the bell rings and we are ushered in to the beautiful space that is the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The amphitheatre provides a dramatic setting that is picked up by the minimalistic stage design. The main feature of the set, designed by Katrina Lindsay, is a crumpled copper backdrop slightly reminiscent of a craggy Richard Serra work. This backdrop with sprigs of foliage that merge with the surrounding trees of the park and two rickety metal folding chairs make up the bare set which evokes the humble situation of the inhabitants of Catfish Row.

The production begins with Bess, played by Nicola Hughes who received an Olivier Award nomination in the same role for Trevor Nunn’s 2006 production, strutting around in a ‘happy dust’ daze. Her jutting and inelegant gestures introduce this sophisticated and fresh interpretation of the Broadway classic. It would be difficult to find a member of the 1,000 strong audience who hadn’t heard the opening number of Porgy and Bess prior to the performance but Jade Ewen (Clara) reminds us and impresses with a beautiful and emotive rendition of ‘Summertime’ as she cradles her newborn baby. The rest of the equally strong cast joins Ewen and together build up a wall of sound that one imagines is resounding throughout the rest of Regent’s Park as it fades into twilight.

As the natural light surrounding the theatre becomes more dramatic, so does the production with the introduction of the other main character, Porgy, played by Broadway veteran, Rufus Bonds Jr, as well as the show’s villains, Crown, brought to life by Phillip Boykin and Sporting Life who shone thanks to Cedric Neal’s impressive and wickedly enjoyable rendition of the slippery dandy. Neal’s beguiling charisma and superb voice make his performance of ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’, one to remember.

Porgy and Bess, often considered to be an opera-musical hybrid due to its demanding music and virtuosic solos, demonstrates Gershwin’s characteristic and wonderful discordance. However, the company’s clever use of props to convey rhythm in this production also highlighted Gershwin’s wonderful use of syncopation and rhythmic incongruity. Chairs and other props were used percussively and this created an interesting and attractive cohesion between the choreography and the music. This production is a striking, refreshing and entertaining rendering of the Gershwin classic and is brought to life by a stellar cast and live orchestra under the direction of Simon Lee. Try very hard to get tickets for this memorable production before the end of the show’s run on 23rd August and also before the end of this beautiful weather when the magical world of outdoor activities closes its door once more on us Londoners for another year.

Continues until 23 August, more information and book here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Missy, Angelica Bomford.

Hobson’s Choice, Regent’s Park Open Air

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There is something so exhilarating about attending an open air production, especially when you are escaping from a super-urban city like London. I always choose Holland Park for opera and Regent’s Park for plays and musicals, and I am never disappointed.

Hobson’s Choice is a humble play, a quaint and old-fashioned comedy by Harold Brighouse. It is a bashful and modest opening show for the Regent’s Park 2014 summer season, but it is an enjoyable and touching story and, on press night, the audience seemed to delight in the light-hearted humour and nuanced acting.

It is the ultimate underdog tale. Selfish and lazy shoe shop owner Henry Horatio Hobson has three daughters to deal with since becoming a widower. He debates marrying them off but detests the lack of control that may lead to, and definitely won’t spend money on them. And so his eldest daughter, Maggie takes charge, coupling herself with the meek, uneducated, but brilliantly talented young boot-maker Willie Mossop and vows to change their lives forever. After a series of comical events, the young couple triumph and Hobson is left with whatever scraps of business and reputation he can retain. An unlikely love story with a satisfying finale.

The rotating set is very successful, simple and functional with a rugged-retro charm. It creates a believable sense of place and transports us back in time. The play is immaculately cast, each character seems so comfortable in their role taking on the 1960s character and Northern accent with no trouble at all. The interactions between the ensemble are so natural, it is a joy to watch. Mark Benton leads the cast as the drunken father, he is full of oomph and anger and causes much entertainment. Most memorable though is the defying couple, Jodie McNee as headstrong Maggie and Karl Davies as the reformed man, who depict their evolving relationship on stage with ease and elegance.

As long as the sun shines this vintage production will continue to enchant Londoners, the perfect escape at the end of a long day in the office.

Continues until 12th July, book tickets here.

Ragtime, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

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There is something enchanting about hearing music in a park, it sends tingles down your spine and is particularly affecting. This passionate and energetic production of Ragtime benefitted enormously from the wide open space… the music flowed freely and the show felt more captivating and inclusive.

This production is revived by Timothy Sheader (who has previously won the Olivier ‘best musical revival’ accolade three years running) – he presents a show that is impressively resolved. Regent’s Park has developed quite a reputation with its musical masterpieces: recently Hello Dolly, Into the Woods and Crazy for You have all received rave reviews on this chameleon stage.

The narrative of the present show, based on the EL Doctorow novel, is not always clear. The story begins at the clearing of a rubbish heap, a boy is tuning a radio until the mellow soft hum of ragtime music begins seeping from the speakers. The next three hours offer an overview of America a decade before the First World War. The spotlight is on three families and their quests for happiness and life satisfaction: an immigrant, Tateh and his daughter, Coalhouse Walker (a Harlem pianist), and an incongruous Wasp family.

I found Stephen Flaherty’s music hauntingly touching, with very human melodies. The sadness of the uneven rhythms and the lurching tunes can’t fail to transport the listener. My favourite moment came with the song ‘Daddy’s Son’ sung by the very able Claudia Kariuki (as Sarah): a dreamy song that seems to resonate through the whole park. The cast, spurred on by the tremendous band, work together as a team and I thought the chorus numbers were particularly strong. Of the lead roles it is Rolan Bell as Coalhouse Walker and John Marquez as Tateh who impress particularly: kind, bold men trying to make their mark on the world. David Birrell is less believable as Father despite giving a great performance as Theseus in the parallel show, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This production is not without awe-inspiring tricks… Harry Houdini (Stephane Anelli) escapes from a straight-jacket upside down in the air, and Evelyn Nesbit (played by smiley Katie Brayben) swings high over the stage on a precarious swing. It is a balance of these highs and lows that make this show so appealing, capturing our attention from start to end and teaching us a little history along the way. And despite the melancholy nature of this musical, Sheader ensures the audience leaves the theatre feeling spirited and touched by the tale of Ragtime.

Ragtime continues at Regent’s Park until 8 September, book here.