Thoroughly Modern Millie - Bristol Theatre Review
Posted on: 2017-06-21
Our rating:
It has won 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and been called “a thoroughly feel-good, joyous romp…perfect family entertainment”, and I must say I have to agree.
The story of Millie Dillmount, the Kansas girl who moves to new York in search of a rich man to marry, was originally conceived as a cinematic vehicle for Julie Andrews, and today the role is played by Joanne Clifton of Strictly Come Dancing fame, Marilyn Monroe in Norma Jeane the musical, and has also been a presenter on It Takes Two (BBC2) to name just a few of her roles.
**THE SHOW RUNS UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH JUNE - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS**
Having been a fan of the original film from 1967, also starring Mary Tyler Moore, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would the scenes be similar? Would I recognise the songs? But I wasn’t disappointed...it was all there and brought to life for the theatre version.
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It has won 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and been called “a thoroughly feel-good, joyous romp…perfect family entertainment”, and I must say I have to agree.
The cast are all excellent in their roles; Miss Dorothy (Katherine Glover) plays the character originally played by the aforementioned Mary Tyler Moore extremely well, and really looks the part.
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The trio of Mrs Meers (Lucas Rush), Ching Ho (Nick Len) and Bun Foo (Andy Yau) has the audience in stitches, but pay attention as the translation is above the stage, so keep your eyes peeled. Mrs Meers delivers his lines to perfection, “sad to be all alone in the world””, and is suitably evil with a comedy twist.
Muzzy Van Hossmere (Jenny Fitzpatrick) is a perfect addition to the cast, she has an amazing voice and seems to play her role effortlessly.
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The singing and dancing is superb and gives Joanne Clifton a chance to show off her talents to best effect, and the rest of the cast deliver song and dance with perfection, even on the hottest day so far this year. The costumes are beautiful and great attention to detail, saving the more glittery costumes for the show stoppers.
The scenery is of the New York skyline but cleverly changes for each scene. The Pricilla Hotel has reception and even the lift in which you have to tap dance your way to the top in. Even the office at Sincere Trust cleverly uses the desks and typewriters in the song ‘the speed test’.
Mr Trevor Graydon (Graham MacDuff) steels the show in the second act, and has the audience crying with laughter, with I think some parts not scripted!
Overall I can't say enough about this fantastic show. It has something for everyone and, surrounded by many of the older generation last night, it was certainly hitting the spot with them. This is a show for young and old alike and last night they ended to a standing ovation from the ecstatic audience. A show not to be missed.
Article by:
Andrea was born and raised in Bristol but moved to Weston-super-Mare as a teenager, around the same time the punk scene hit Britain and was right in the thick of it. Embracing the music and bands of that time, she has been a regular at most of the Bristol gigs ever since. Music, especially live, is in her veins and after performing in bands of her own over the years she continues to sing in a local choir. “Music has and always will be a massive part of my life, and I will be a party girl ‘til the day I die.”
