(Rated 7/5 )
This was such a refreshingly fun and effervescent surprise. A re-imagined version of the original 1970 musical play by Stephen Sondheim – in this production directed by Marianne Elliot, the central singleton male Robert becomes female Bobbie, played beautifully by Rosalie Craig. It is Bobbie’s 35th birthday, and in a series of dream-like sequences – which would be very much at home in Alice’s Wonderland if set in New York – we witness her struggles in and out of relationships. She is the best friend and support to five couples, who exhibit different kinds of relationship. Mel Giedroyc and Gavin Spokes play a couple in perpetual combat be it verbally or physically. Patti LuPone, whom I first saw as Fantine in ‘Les Miserables’ is the multi-married lady-who-lunches and drinks cocktails – happy to share her latest husband with Bobbie. Other couples experiment with drugs and discover divorce does a great deal for their love-life. And my favourites are the gay male couple, who have been together for a long-time, but faced with marriage and commitment Jonathan Bailey’s character is terrified.
This was such a refreshingly fun and effervescent surprise. A re-imagined version of the original 1970 musical play by Stephen Sondheim – in this production directed by Marianne Elliot, the central singleton male Robert becomes female Bobbie, played beautifully by Rosalie Craig. It is Bobbie’s 35th birthday, and in a series of dream-like sequences – which would be very much at home in Alice’s Wonderland if set in New York – we witness her struggles in and out of relationships. She is the best friend and support to five couples, who exhibit different kinds of relationship. Mel Giedroyc and Gavin Spokes play a couple in perpetual combat be it verbally or physically. Patti LuPone, whom I first saw as Fantine in ‘Les Miserables’ is the multi-married lady-who-lunches and drinks cocktails – happy to share her latest husband with Bobbie. Other couples experiment with drugs and discover divorce does a great deal for their love-life. And my favourites are the gay male couple, who have been together for a long-time, but faced with marriage and commitment Jonathan Bailey’s character is terrified.
It is a light-hearted exploration of life and love, yet also
with deep profound messages. As one song performed by the men in couples expresses
‘You’re scared she’s starting to drift away – and scared she’ll stay’. The
performances are wonderful. The staging supports extremely well with Bobbie
travelling between relationship scenes through doors and hatches in constantly
moving and changing scenery. There is also a sense of her being trapped by the
walls and yet longing to be free – reflecting the same struggles in her decision
to become one of a couple or not – yet she loves company.
Rosalie Craig’s expression is delightfully sensitive and
warm. She shows so much empathy and understanding to all with whom she
interacts. No wonder they all love her and are so concerned for her wellbeing.
In such challenging times this is well-needed entertainment,
which takes us back to the basics of what really matters in life – our relationships
– of whatever kind – with others – and how being kind matters so much!
Company – Review by TheRestrictedReviewer © 2018
