From the very start of Trevor Nunn's production of A Little Night Music at the Menier Chocolate Factory, speculation was rife about a transfer to the West End. Well, the news broke and a mere three weeks after the end of the run at the intimate Southwark theatre, the fantastic production made its deserved debut on the West End stage.In comparison to many West End theatres the Garrick is relatively small and the stage hardly bigger than the one at the Chocolate Factory. Any worries about the issue of keeping the intimacy, a key, remarkable and endearing feature from the run at the south London theatre, were forgotten about straight away.
As a Grade II listed building the Garrick, built in 1889, seems to be the perfect setting for this classy Sondheim musical set at the turn of 19th century in Sweden. With its ornate decoration it really helps to build the right atmosphere for Night Music - and the atmosphere was most definitely buzzing last night. Many of you will already be familiar with the plot, but now with a slightly larger space to use, better props, better lighting and powerful sound A Little Night Music and the Garrick seem to be a match made in heaven.
Jessie gave an outstanding performance last night and should most definitely feel very proud of herself. The show was full of energy and everyone on the stage seemed to have that sparkle in their eye, most probably due to the excitement of debuting the show on the West End and having had a small break. The comedy was once again delivered with brilliant timing and was met with applause and laughter from the audience on numerous occassions. The singing was once again exquisite and despite the fact it sounds like I'm fawning massively, there really were no complaints from anyone; in particular, the American man who was sat next to my sister, a big Sondheim fan and hugely enthusiastic about this production and who seemed totally oblivious and unaware when I told him it had just transferred from another, smaller London theatre.
Overall, a great cast performing in a great show at a great theatre situated in the heart of theatre land. At the moment, when one thinks of London's West End they think the of the big, bold blockbuster musicals but A Little Night Music most definitely provides a pleasing change to the norm and is one show all theatre lovers should definitely go to see!
Correction: Jessie will be interviewed by RTE Lyric FM today at 6 o'clock and the radio show can be streamed from the site www.rte.ie/radio - I will endeavour to get it recorded for those who don't get to listen and make a downloadable file so do check back later tonight to see if I've succeeded!
4 comments:
If that is indeed Jessie at the, "Official Jessie Buckley" myspace page and I think it is, she is very HAPPY today after the debut and made a comment saying so. For me it's the only way to show her my appreciation for the GREAT performances on IDA. "Any Dream Will Do" premiers tonight here and my best guess, IDA will come here as well. Watching, "Lost in Austen" now, it's on all day here, over and over, I'll watch it until ADWD starts. Once again I'm so HAPPY for Jessie and the rest of the CAST for their Triumphant debut. If you have myspace, stop by and give Jessie some great comments, too!!!
This performance was indeed a triumph. Having not seen the show since the first night at the Menier, it was fascinating to me to observe how all the cast had grown into their roles. I didn't think it could be better than it was back in November, but it is! Jessie now appears to play Ann quite effortlessly ... which is a sign of real talent as in truth of course a tremendous effort goes into the performance.
I would really like them to bring out a cast album. I wonder if this is a possibility now that the show is in the West End.
david
Yes-It would be a real opportunity missed if the album doesn't happen !
Jackie
well said Kate!
awesome night, Jessie was brilliant as usual. You could tell after the show this is what she'd be dreaming of, and its now a reality! and rightly so :)
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