Funny Girl

The Chequer Mead Theatre was packed and buzzing. The attractive programme was a mine of information about the creation of the musical; and displayed excellent photos & bios of the performers.

The show opened with Jamie Cordell and his orchestra ranged along the rear of the stage, in front of the cyclorama. They looked and sounded magnificent…perfect accompaniment, a rich sound throughout and something of ragtime in the early numbers.

The backdrops were stunningly beautiful projections, used to great effect. Presenting them from behind the cyclorama worked perfectly and neatly avoided displaying the images upon the actors and bandsmen. There were good, tight lighting patterns, concentrating attention on little groups; and then boldly illuminating the orchestra and/or ensemble. Songs and dialogue were clear and well amplified.

Props and furniture were plentiful and appropriate. The stage crew and cast members whisked them on and off with speed and unerring precision.

Women’s costumes were well chosen. They were attractive, colourful and very much of the era. Most of the men were nattily attired, but one or two were not so fortunate…too often bereft of jacket and/or necktie.

The production had such a perfect pace, moving smoothly from scene to scene. There was plenty of action and no slow moments, but it never felt rushed and was so easy to follow and enjoy.

Lindsay Swift created many fine dance routines that were complex and lovely, with delightful tap sequences. These included Cornet Man, preceded by Eddie’s excellent tap dance; His Love Makes Me Beautiful and Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat.

Julia Stevens wielded a huge cast with enormous success. Not one of her people seemed uncertain or uncomfortable with their songs, dances and dialogue. The comedy was unforced and plentiful; and ALL the characters shone out.

Matt Barnett’s Eddie Ryan sang & danced well and was a perfect picture of unrequited love. He duetted with Mrs Brice in Who Taught Her Everything? Vanessa Chambers gave a lovely comic performance as Fanny’s mother, particularly with her cronies in the poker school.

Ben Hopkins gave a very strong performance as Nick Arnstein and neatly showed the character’s transition from smooth and self-assured suitor to conman and convicted felon. His singing was delightful and he was an excellent foil for Fanny. Their performance of You Are Woman, I Am Man was perfectly timed and sung…and hilarious.

Lily Porter breathed powerful and eccentric life into Fanny Brice. She had bags of energy and comedy, she moved so well and sang so delightfully: People, Don’t Rain On My Parade, etc. It was a towering performance in a terrific production.

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