No matter how talented the writer, some early works deserve to be revisited whilst others should really be left sleeping. With a host of awards and a long and varied career, Victoria Wood has since become something of a national treasure but unfortunately her revised revival of her very first play, written in 1978, falls squarely into the latter category. Stuck somewhere between an extended skit, a cabaret performance and a one-acter with songs, it doesn’t really know what it’s trying to be or where it’s trying to go.
As an aspiring young hopeful herself, her knowledge of the sleazy world of small scale Northern talent competitions and variety clubs was first hand. And maybe when she performed alongside the now equally popular Julie Walters their unique chemistry added something special to the TV version which followed its Sheffield premiere.
New songs have been added and there are pleasant performances from Leanne Rowe as ambitious wannabe singer Julie and, especially, Suzie Toase’s chubby, dowdy Maureen, yet this backstage show never really takes off.
The always excellent Mark Hadfield is good value as both a fussy manageress and a third rate magician whilst Mark Curry is intentionally revolting as a randy compere. But some nifty one-liners can’t overcome the lack of content or the overall reliance on 70’s nostalgia and even though it’s not much over 90 minutes long, it still feels disappointingly overstretched.
Menier Chocolate Factory , 53 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU ( 020 7907 7060) Until 14th November ( £25 & Meal Deals available £34)
No comments:
Post a Comment