Aspects of Love

Aspects of Love is a complex reflection on the many forms that love takes and its effect on the characters and their interconnected storylines over a 17 year time period, certainly a challenge but one that was successfully taken up by the entire cast and production team. 

Good use was made of the stage area in this relatively small venue with the set comprising of a multi-level stage with furniture and props used to depict the scene and the use of projections to move the action from France to Italy and the Pyrenees and to indicate the passage of time. This was also enhanced by a sympathetic lighting plot creating the necessary mood and focus. Scene changes were swift and didn’t hold up the action and allowed just enough time for the many costume changes for some of the principals.

Musical accompaniment was provided by two pianos expertly played by Chinami Smith and Pete Allsopp and these were situated at the rear of the hall behind the audience but the sound balance was good ensuring that every word was heard, essential in a sung though piece.

There is not a much for the ensemble in the show but when they did appear they performed well and all supporting principals gave strong performances. The circus scene was lively and uplifting and the choreography in the funeral scene was slick. Caisley Graham made the most of her appearance in a short amount of stage time as Young Jenny showing the love for her father and a respect for her mostly absent mother and she is certainly one to watch for the future. Rebecca Wharton as Jenny picked up from where Caisley left off and both girls gave confident performances. Owen Saunders gave a strong and mature portrayal as Marcel Richard, Rose’s manager and lifelong confidant. As Giulietta Trapani, the lover of George, Rose, and ultimately Alex, Katherine Saunders gave a good portrayal with strong vocal performances, “Hand me the Wine and the Dice” being particularly good. Clark Adamson as George the gentle artist who loves and accepts everyone, gave a touching, believable performance, his rendition of “The First Man You Remember” was particularly moving. The complex character of Alex who grows from a lovesick 17 year old an adult was well played by Kieron Jackson, he engaged with the audience throughout and he was able to convey the anguish of his character well, his performance of “Love Changes Everything” got the show off to a confident start. The character of Rose needs to be strong and this role was in the capable hands of Rebecca Charlton. This young performer gave an excellent portrayal of the emotional mood swings of her more mature character and also gave strong vocal performances; her delivery of “Anything but Lonely” was very moving.

It was evident that a lot of hard work and commitment had gone into the show, musically it is completely sung through and the complex characters were competently taken on. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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