I HAVE BEEN TO SEE A SHOW!
When given the opportunity to go to a prestigious outdoor venue, to see a concert production of a musical you love, with a cast of people you admire, it was a no brainer. For one evening, 200 people gathered in the grounds of Holland Park Opera, to see A Little Night Music in concert, produced by Alex Parker and Janie Dee. Back in 2015, Parker conducted a concert version of the show at the Palace Theatre, with Dee starring as the leading lady Desiree Armfeldt, so this is material that they know intimately. With a mixture of old and new cast members, it truly felt like a labour of love that this night happened, and come rain (!) or shine there would be an audience.
Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's delightful musical is about love, relationships and the consequences they bring. Centred mainly around a group of inter-connected people across one night in the country, against the perfect backdrop of Holland Park, it really was the ideal setting for this wonderful story to be bought to life again.
Reprising her role as the enigmatic Desiree and wonderfully leading this cast, Janie Dee proves that she is an almighty talent and so incredibly versatile. The fact that the staging for this concert is so simple allows the performances to really shine, and that is no more evident than with Dee's Desiree. She's chaotic but gentle, flirtatious but timid. Her rendition of 'Send In The Clowns' in the middle of a torrential downpour was a particular highlight. Walking out from under the canopy cover to join the audience as the heavens opened will be a moment I remember for a long while yet.
Damian Humbley gave a superb performance as Desiree's old flame Fredrik, beautifully capturing his confusion and his lust for what has passed. The other man fighting for Desiree's affection - Count Carl-Magnus - was brilliantly played by Nadim Naaman. Relishing in the extravagance of the part, both men sing up a storm and followed Dee's lead, standing in the rain by the end and joining in the fun.
Two spectacular women have returned from the 2015 concert to reprise their performances. Laura Pit-Pulford is mischievous and bold (almost stealing the show) with her rendition of "The Miller's Son".
But it is Joanna Riding as Countess Charlotte who all but walks away with the night - there's something about Riding that you just can't take your eyes off. With razor-sharp wit and a hysterical rendition of' 'Happy Birthday To Me', she grabs every moment and runs with it.
Full marks to Alex Parker and the 9 piece orchestra for battling through the rain, fighting to keep their instruments dry, and producing a sound that was every bit as full as the 30 piece orchestra we were treated to previously. Hearing strings play a Sondheim score really is a joy that will never fail to bring a tear to my eye.
What this night proved, more than anything, is that there is an audience hungry to return to live theatre as soon as we are told that we can.
This concert had a capacity of 200, and the tickets sold out in 6 minutes. Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park is virtually sold out. I know we're on a reduced capacity and it's meaning that we are stretched on finances, but the audiences are there.
If you keep putting this stuff on, we'll be there.
Even in the most torrential rain, we'll be there to the end and we will be cheering you on loud and proud.
Theatre came alive again, in a night that will stay in the memory of those who were there for a very long time. We were soaked to the skin, but we were there together, and that proves just how far theatre fans will go to support.
It looks like the interval is starting to be over - slowly but sure, we are back. And my gosh, it feels good to be able to say that.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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