Richmond Theatre, London
***
Upon
arrival at the Richmond Theatre for the opening night of Radio Times: The Musical several actors dressed in period 1940s
costumes greeted me; and a foyer emblazoned with equally fitting war-time
posters which, coupled with the timeless elegance of the theatre itself, set
the scene perfectly for the Blitz based musical comedy Radio Times.
Tom
Rodgers’ set is exquisite: a beautiful,
simple, clean, elegant, and effective design that suits the production beautifully
and sits perfectly in the Richmond Theatre. The musical featuring the music of
Noel Gay is a joyful few hours of light entertainment. The company is made up
of fifteen actor-musicians who sing, dance, and play their way through every
number. Accordingly the ensemble is tight and each number executed with
flawless style and precision – you have not lived until you’ve seen 15 actors dressed as a marching band playing
instruments whilst tap dancing! Even if the quaint period style of the score
doesn’t appeal, you cannot fail to
be impressed by this company who deliver (with such joy) a host of production
numbers, which cover everything from a 15 piece ukulele number to a kazoo
filled production number featuring a dancing camel.
Admittedly
the show doesn’t really come into it’s own until the second half (which is blissful). Abi Grant
and Alex Armitage’s book is a little lack lustre
- particularly at the beginning - and dwells too much in parochial nostalgia to
have a wide audience appeal. There are however some lovely moments in it, and the
script is at its best when sending up the nostalgia and style of the period.
Garry
Wilmot as Sammy Shaw is cheery and enjoyable enough on stage but much like the
show, doesn’t really settle into it until
the second act. Sara Crowe as Olive James on the other hand is vocally weak and
sadly dwarfed by the considerable talents of the supporting cast. Her
performance as Olive is lifeless and even during her curtain call, struggles to
crack a smile. Conversely Vivien Carter as Amy Chapman is an utter delight
delivering charm, warmth, presence, and a rich vocal. Both Carter and Christian
Edwards as Jeeps are impossible not to watch. The real star of the show is John
Conroy as Heathcliffe Bultitude who exudes a rare and infectious energy, which
permeates throughout the cast and the audience; he is a delight to watch
throughout.
Radio Times is a sweet evening of good old-fashioned entertainment,
which is ably performed by this fifteen strong cast of actor-musicians. The
musical numbers and instrumentalists are exceptional but the production is let
down by a weak book and miscast principals. Nonetheless Radio Times is an enjoyable, if a little quaint, evening of
theatre.
This production runs until 10 November 2012.
For more information: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/radio-times/richmond-theatre/
@RadioTimesStage @RichmondTheatre
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