Funny Girl - Musical Review
Monday 22nd May, welcomed the arrival of Funny Girl at The Mayflower Theatre, I was in awe and mesmerised by the production so much that I went back so see it again the following night. I give this musical overall a five star. From the costumes, scenery and overall spectacle.
Television and stage personality Sheridan Smith started in the leading role of Fanny Brice, after playing the role at the Miner Chocolate Factory and then at The Savoy Theatre along with her onstage partner Darius Campbell. They were both joined by Nigel Barber, Zoe Ann Brown, Jennifer Harding, Rachel Izen, Joshua Lay, Myra Sands.
From the very moment Sheridan Smith entered the stage to the Curtain Call I couldn't take my eyes off her, watching each facial expression, communication with both the audience and other protagonists took my breath away. She put every human emotion into each delivered line and musical number. She played the part of Fanny Brice effortless adding her own individual style from desperation to be accepted by Florenz Ziegfeld, humorously comedic, rejection and finally success. She stayed in character throughout the entire show with a strong American accent. I was both moved and touched by her presence.
She shared a heart melting connection with Darius especially during the number "You Are Woman I Am Man" in which the audience began laughing for a minute. It was evident that they were aware of each other’s acting strengths and weaknesses. Vocally Sheridan Smith was not the strongest but was undoubtedly determined to deliver a stellar rendition of the iconic number 'Don't Rain on My Parade'.
Darius played a dapper and sophisticated husband Nicky Arnstein, who finds himself unable to cope with being the unsuccessful member of the relationship as he turns to fraud to try to make some money of his own. This transition was undetectable and was surprised not seeing the Barbra Streisand blockbuster previous.
The staging was minimalistic with certain set pieces moving freely around the stage, which did not interfere with the action onstage. The backdrop projected a vaudeville theatre with made the audience aware of the period. The lighting design complimented the backlit stage well with the use of royal colours.
Sheridan and Natasha Barnes share the role through the selected venues. The tour completes its national run at The Manchester Palace Theatre in August.