Sunset Boulevard **** TNT
This pocket size revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush musical (based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film) packs a surprising punch in Aussie Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood’s inventive production.
A transfer from the Watermill in Newbury, it continues their tradition of doing away with a full orchestra by casting, instead, actors who not only sing but simultaneously play an array of instruments as well. The intimate staging emphasises the secluded nature of faded silver screen goddess Norma Desmond’s Hollywood home, whilst still managing to incorporate a dominating spiral staircase for her show-stopping entrances.
Kathryn Evans invests the ageing Desmond with a wild-eyed emotional intensity but (though convincing in her delusional belief that a comeback is imminent) can’t quite convey the star quality of a former legend.
Ben Goddard’s cynical, down-at-heel young scriptwriter reveals the self-disgust of his unexpected - but financially rewarding - entanglement with the reclusive actress, and Dave Willetts gives Max, her devoted manservant, a bizarre Boris Karloff accent which seems strangely appropriate for this Tinsel Town melodrama of shattered dreams and disillusion.
This pocket size revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush musical (based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film) packs a surprising punch in Aussie Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood’s inventive production.
A transfer from the Watermill in Newbury, it continues their tradition of doing away with a full orchestra by casting, instead, actors who not only sing but simultaneously play an array of instruments as well. The intimate staging emphasises the secluded nature of faded silver screen goddess Norma Desmond’s Hollywood home, whilst still managing to incorporate a dominating spiral staircase for her show-stopping entrances.
Kathryn Evans invests the ageing Desmond with a wild-eyed emotional intensity but (though convincing in her delusional belief that a comeback is imminent) can’t quite convey the star quality of a former legend.
Ben Goddard’s cynical, down-at-heel young scriptwriter reveals the self-disgust of his unexpected - but financially rewarding - entanglement with the reclusive actress, and Dave Willetts gives Max, her devoted manservant, a bizarre Boris Karloff accent which seems strangely appropriate for this Tinsel Town melodrama of shattered dreams and disillusion.
Comedy Theatre, Panton Street, SW1 (0870 060 6637). Until 18th April £17-54
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