Lights down, Buffalo Bill Cody (George Jones) wanders on to the stage and solemnly tells us that there’s no business like show business. Then the pace quickens, enthusiasm takes over and, with the live band on stage, he belts it out as the cast join him… Cast, band and production team deserved and got a standing ovation. There really is No Business Like Show Business – be part of it and come away singing.
The orchestra is made up of around ten people. Half of these are multi-tasking as they are also actors in the show (often with more than one character). This was incredibly impressive as it really brought the music to life and made it an even more integral part of the show.
Backed by Sondheim’s enchanting score (orchestrated to pin-precision by Matthew Reeve), the music is another key character. Under Peter Corry’s canny direction and with Louise Ferrier’s choreography, Sondheim’s masterpiece also has the right amount of pathos, energy and subtlety to affect everyone who sees it.
There are excellent performances all round from the soloists, but Corry and his musical director Matthew Reeve have found some real future stars for the biggest roles. … A big, although sometimes overheavy, production which more than gets to grips with big piece of musical theatre, not least in its rendition of a score which is often as complex as the plot.
The overall production quality of the show is so high is a tribute to all the performers and the production team. These include (amongst others) Adam Knight (Producer and also Edinburgh Playhouse General Manager), Peter Corry (Director), Matthew Reeve (Musical Director) and Louise Ferrier (Choreographer).
The cast are magnificent. They manage to contain what should be a very large show into the minimal space of the lounge at the Leicester Square Theatre with aplomb. The musical numbers are inspired. Mostly comedic but with a smattering of heart wrenching ballads that will moisten the eye of many. The singing is impeccable and it is almost impossible to pick an outstanding member of the cast.
Here’s a video showing opening night clips from the show and the response from the audience. The show stars KERRI QUINN in the role of Sally Bowles and PATRICK J O’REILLY as the Emcee.
Production values are of a very high standard, from Matthew Reeve’s multi-layered musical arrangements, played live on a raised platform, to Stuart Marshall’s atmospheric recreation of the Kit Kat Club, complete with crumbling proscenium arch, tattered curtains and dank, peeling doors.
Director Lisa May, choreographer Sarah Johnston and musical director Matthew Reeve all deserve much credit for a stupendous, sassy production that exudes sex and swagger before vaulting dramatically into darkness.
Joanne Savage, 22 September 2014, Belfast News Letter
