Review: Blighty, Broadway And Beyond! (rating 5/5)
This is a story about the private lives of Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence but not as you might expect.
It is set in an English garden which depicts purgatory, and narrated by the two characters while they are awaiting God (audience) to decide whether to send them to Hell or Heaven. A delightful hour-long show sees them sing and dance their way through their entangled lives while awaiting a decision.
This first performance at the Fringe was sold out and the audience were enthralled by an entertaining, beautifully sung and acted short musical play which is full of Coward’s sharp wit and the adorable fashion of the era.
Speaking afterwards, Alasdair Carson-Sheard, who plays Coward, explained that they wrote the play together and learned a lot about the two characters’ lives in the process. The Governess in The King and I was written for Lawrence who performed it first on Broadway and we learn that Gert (as Coward calls her) died during its run and was dreadfully missed by Coward.
Both actors have beautiful and exquisite control of their voices. Nixon has previously played Julie Andrews at the Fringe.
The play has the looks and feel of the roaring twenties era but is cleverly brought into the 21st century by a guardian angel who joins them on set with a mobile phone while awaiting a text from God! The angel is credibly played by Darcey Nixon who makes her debut very angelically at the Fringe.
This Gin Palace Production comes from Brighton and regularly performs at the Fringe , where they bring newly written stories about Hollywood and many British greats.
Recommended to all those interested in the history of actors, theatre, film and Hollywood. If you love to be up-close to the performers this is for you.
Mint Studio, Greenside at Infirmary Street, Aug 13-17, 19-24
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