Funny Girl

‘Funny Girl’ is the story of brash young actress, Fanny Brice, and her rise from a small-time music hall singer to Broadway star. Opening on Broadway in 1964, and then becoming a musical film in 1968, Barbra Streisand earned global fame, becoming an international showbiz legend, for her superb portrayal of Fanny.  However, it wasn’t until the show’s high-profile revival in 2015 that ‘Funny Girl’ gained a new lease of life and today has become available to amateur societies for production. On that note, congratulation to PLOS for being alert and becoming the first UK amateur society to be granted performing rights for this show.

Stuart Burrows (Director), Harriet Ruby (Assistant Director and Co-Producer) and Sally Bourne (Co-Producer) are to be congratulated for taking on this challenging production.  Together they formed a formidable creative team and delivered a truly fabulous show.  I felt that the principals had been extremely well cast for this production and that the entire ensemble provided ‘first class’ support.  Pace, energy and non-stop action kept the audience fully engaged and the whole production was faultless. 

The show featured an actress who was nothing short of outstanding in the hugely demanding, leading role, of Fanny Brice.  Whilst repeatedly demonstrating excellent acting and comedic it was her vocal skills that shone.  ‘I’m the Greatest Star’, ‘His Love Makes Me Beautiful’ and ‘Cornet Man’ were all fabulous.  However, the two iconic songs 'People’ and ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ were exceptional being sung with so much emotion and feeling. She was supported by a terrific line up of principals all of whom appeared ideal for their roles and characters. 

The ensemble and dancers were provided excellent support to the principals together ensuring depth and energy at all times. The quality of their supporting vocals, harmonies and dancing/movement were obvious to the audience – as was the genuine look of enjoyment of all those performing. A show cannot simply rely on those leading actors for success but requires a strong and committed ensemble.  PLOS is fortunate to have such talent in their midst and congratulations to all those involved here for giving everything to this production.    

Once again, congratulations to everyone involved at PLOS for what was a flawless production of ‘Funny Girl’ and thank you for a fabulous evening’s entertainment. I look forward to being invited along to your next production!

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