I seem to be spending my time lately revisiting shows and plays that I have loved in the past, knowing that I can be guaranteed a great night. It is a little dull of me and I do need to spread my wings and find new things to love. For now though I was delighted to see a new production of Company last night, which I last saw on stage in 1996.
Company – Gielgud Theatre
By my hero Stephen Sondheim, Company is one of his earlier works. The first performance was in 1970. The question is whether the show will look dated 48 years later and I can say with a clever gender switch this production has avoided that.
Company is the story of Bobby a 35 year old New Yorker with commitment issues. All Bobby’s friends are married and they are encouraging him to join them in matrimonial bliss. The only problem is observing their relationships from the outside there appears to be very little bliss.
In this production Bobby is played by a woman, instantly giving a more modern perspective. I admit that in advance I had my doubts, for me Bobby will always be Adrian Lester (1995 Donmar Warehouse), but I loved loved it. Rosalie Craig is a fabulous Bobby, still with the same commitment issues but with the added tension of time running out.
Go to see the show just for the end of Act 1 and ‘I’m not getting married’ sung by Jamie (used to be Amy) on the morning of his wedding to Paul. It brought the house down.
Patti LuPone, Broadway legend, has come out of retirement to play Joanne a bitter yet fragile much married and divorced older lady.
https://olivermyles.entstix.com/tickets/company
Wicked
Wicked has been running at the Apollo Victoria since 2006, it is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz and tells the story of Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West when they are younger.
In terms of the story I have always felt it too contrived as they try to explain how the lion became a coward etc., but the score is electrifying and is constantly on my play list. Couple that with great production values and it is an excellent family show.
As it has been running 12 years it is always worth checking into our booking pages for special upgrade offers that appear from time to time.
https://olivermyles.entstix.com/tickets/wicked
New Show on sale. Man of La Mancha
Coming to the London Coliseum next April for a limited six week run is the Man of La Mancha, which will star Kelsey Grammer at Don Quixote.
The Man of La Mancha is probably best known for The Impossible Dream, this is a semi-staged production. It might be worth a visit just to hear this little performed musical. I will be booking just to see Kelsey Grammer who was last in London starring in a musical version of the movie Big Fish.
https://olivermyles.entstix.com/tickets/man-of-la-mancha
Skip to content