Funny Girl - Bristol Theatre Review
Posted on: 2017-03-23
Our rating:
This is musical theatre at its best; colourful characters, beautiful costumes, fun choreography, fine acting, fabulous singing and a lead actress who truly dazzles.
Following a hugely successful run in the West End, Sheridan Smith again steps into the shoes of the legendary Fanny Brice as the iconic musical Funny Girl embarks on a UK tour. Boasting some of the most well-known and loved songs in musical theatre, including People and Don’t Rain On My Parade this irresistible production is showing at Bristol Hippodrome until 25th March and is an absolute delight to watch.
IT RUNS UNTIL SATURDAY AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
Funny Girl is the semi-biographical story of actress and comedian Fanny Brice, a star who thanks to her strong vocals and comedic talent rose through the ranks from vaudeville in Brooklyn to become a name on Broadway. Originally told she had no place on the stage as she didn’t meet the typical requirements of a slim figure and beautiful look, Fanny remained confident in her ability to be The Greatest Star and set out to prove it, wowing audience with her wit and vibrancy. A determined and sassy character, she finds her ideas and dreams challenged the day that dashing man about town Nick Arnstein walks into her dressing room and subsequently her heart.
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Set in New York in the early 1900s the staging is true to the theatres of the day, with the ensemble vividly bringing to life the glorious chaos of theatrical life both on and off-stage. In elaborate costumes they dance their way through a series of extravagant numbers, which due to Lynne Page’s slick choreography remain polished and precise driving the story forward at a steady pace. Director Michael Mayer does a sterling job of bringing this fun and ebullient production to life, he realises that this is a show that is all about the heroine and the humour and doesn’t try to be too serious or worthy in his presentation.
As Fanny Brice, Sheridan Smith is extraordinary. She has exceptional stage presence and draws the audience in with her instinctive comic flare, heartfelt characterisation and some pretty sensational vocals. You get a very real sense that she knows the character inside out, showing the Broadway star as a mixture of tangled emotions and vulnerability all covered up by a big smile and the overriding ethos that the show must go on. Fabulous in both the funny moments –pulling faces, flailing around the stage and winking at the audience- as well as the downright heartbreaking as Fanny’s life unravels and tears roll down her face.
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Chris Peluso does a good job as Nick Arnstein, exuding laconic charm and oozing charisma in his bid to win over the strong-willed heroine. He is excellent in the poignant duet Who Are You Now, where the character’s love for Fanny is clear as is his increasing realisation that they are moving in different directions.
The supporting cast do a splendid job; all are talented performers singing and dancing with style and zest, clearly committed to their characters and giving a spirited performance.
This is musical theatre at its best; colourful characters, beautiful costumes, fun choreography, fine acting, fabulous singing and a lead actress who truly dazzles blend together to make this a night to remember. A fantastic production - well deserving of last night’s standing ovation - Funny Girl is a show not to be missed.
5/5
Article by:
Sarah-Jane is an aficionado of film, theatre, culture and the arts. A voracious reader and avid crafter, she can be found volunteering her face painting talents at Bristol Zoo when she's not cementing her reputation as Coalpit Heath’s cake maker extraordinaire. Known to have an opinion on everything she’s never happier than when sharing these with the good folk of Bristol!
