Funny Girl

Following on from their production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ earlier this year, KMTC were back with ‘Funny Girl’, directed by Ben Ireson. The direction and blocking throughout was confident and assured. Nothing appeared awkward or out of place. The transitions between scenes were well-handled, with cast bringing on some furniture as well. This ensured the pace was kept up. The set was great! Entering the auditorium, you were transported to the backstage area of a Broadway theatre, with costume rails and makeup areas. The set was transformed to different locations very well. When the Follies were performing, the curtain that covered the upstage wall was drawn, revealing a backdrop of an audience, which the Follies performed to. This was inventive staging that could have been confusing to the audience, but was not, due to the performance of the cast. Having Ziegfeld in the auditorium was a nice touch as well. It really brought the audience into the story. The costumes and wigs were great. Each suited each character really well.

Michael J Scott was the musical director. It was great watching Michael at work, conducting the orchestra. The brass section was a particular standout, especially in ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’. The vocals from the cast were top-notch as well, especially in the big ensemble numbers.

The lighting and sound design was great throughout. There was an excellent sound balance between the orchestra and cast – everything could be heard. The lighting design was very good, especially the bulbs around the proscenium – reminiscent of the Golden Age of Broadway.

Choreography was by Sophie Meggitt. The choreography suited the time period well, incorporating lots of different styles. The standout piece of choreography was ‘Rat-tat-tat-tat’ in Act Two. This was a joy to watch.

Kirsty Podlaski was every inch the ‘Funny Girl’ as Fanny Brice. Kirsty threw herself into the role, full of confidence, humour and life. Kirsty was able to display the different ages of Fanny with ease, going from the youthful 19-year-old to the more mature Fanny looking back at her life. Kirsty delivered excellent vocals, and impressed with her acting through song. She led the ensemble numbers very well indeed. It was an outstanding performance.

Joel Merry was very good as Nick Arnstein. Joel was suave and sophisticated as Nick, as well as showing a more troubled side of the character. Joel created a believable relationship with Kirsty, bringing to life the tumultuous marriage between Nick and Fanny. Joel has an excellent vocal, delivering the songs well.

Another great performance came from Jonathan Hall as Eddie Ryan. There was a true believability in the relationship between Eddie and Fanny, and you could feel the unwavering love through Jonathan’s performance. Jonathan had a great vocal as well, and was able to display his dancing ability. His number with Clare, ‘Who Taught Her Everything?’ was excellently delivered.

Clare Moorhouse did very well as Mrs Brice, one of the original stage mums! There was a sincere relationship between Clare and Kirsty, one of protection and pride, which developed through the production. As previously said, Clare’s number with Jonathan was very well done.

The trio of Marie McMahon (Mrs Strakosh), Hannah Young (Mrs O’Malley) and Christie Golden (Mrs Meeker) were well cast as the gossiping friends of Mrs Brice. They worked well together, each creating a different character, helping to add some comedy moments.

Kirsty Hall played Emma, Fanny’s dresser. This was a solid performance from Kirsty, delivering her lines well and developing a good on-stage relationship with Kirsty.

Oliver Ball played Florenz Ziegfeld. This was an understated performance from Oliver. He played the part very well, and was able to portray a range of emotions towards Fanny. Oliver has a really good presence on stage.

Nick Livesey offered good support as Tom Keeney. He made a good contribution, helping to move the story of Fanny along.

The ensemble were simply wonderful. As well as playing minor characters throughout (Rachael Benfield a particular standout as Mrs Renaldi), the ensemble mainly portrayed the Ziegfeld Follies. The ensemble numbers were well performed by all, full of energy and style.

Overall, this was a great production, with an outstanding leading lady, excellent supporting performances, and secure direction throughout. It was a classic, old-school musical done exceptionally well by this talented company.

Thank you to Knutsford Musical Theatre Company for their warm welcome and kind hospitality. All the best for your next production, ‘Rock of Ages’.

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