THIS WEEK’S THEATRE ROUND-UP
Last week Stephen Sondheim’s phenomenal Gypsy opened to a packed house at Chichester Festival Theatre, starring Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose and our own Julie Legrand in the infamous role of stripper Electra. Considered by many to be the greatest Broadway musical ever produced, the show is based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee- an American burlesque entertainer and nightmarish show-biz mother. Tipped for a West End transfer, particularly after rave reviews across the board, Gypsy certainly is the musical of the moment.
“Everything’s coming up roses for Chichester Festival Theatre. A revival of burlesque brilliance. Jonathan Kent’s exemplary revival of Gypsy is nothing less than a triumph.” Dominic Cavendish, DAILY TELEGRAPH, *****
“Everything about Kent’s production slots perfectly into place”. Michael Billington, THE GUARDIAN, *****
Gypsy runs at the Chichester Festival Theatre until 8th November.
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Also last week, The House That Will Not Stand opened at the Tricycle Theatre to great reviews, starring the gorgeous Ronke Adekoluejo as Odette. Written by Marcus Gardley and directed by Indu Rubasingham, The House That Will Not Stand depicts rivalry, repression and racial prejudice in 1830s New Orleans. Following an era of French colonial rule and relative racial acceptance, a free black woman and her daughters’ find their privileged status in society suddenly crumbling, with the household turning against each other to survive. Here is an off-West End must see if ever there was one.
“…the whole cast dazzles… the superb performances ensure that this is a richly enjoyable experience.” Henry Hitchings, THE EVENING STANDARD, ****
“…the play has a pulsing theatrical vitality that comes across well… With its magic, incantations and chants, it is not like any other play in London.” Michael Billington, THE GUARDIAN, ****
The House That Will Not Stand runs at the Tricycle Theatre until 22nd November.