Sunset Boulevard

Based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 movie of the same name and written for the stage by
Don Black and Christopher Hampton, this Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece is a
tragic story of romance and obsession. The story focuses on a faded silent-screen
actress Norma Desmond, struggling with life out of the limelight, living in the past in
her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. There she creates a fantasy
world where she awaits her big screen return. Joe Gillis, the young down on his luck
screenwriter, desperate for work and on the run from debt collectors, accidentally
crosses Norma’s path. She convinces him to work on a script that she believes will
put her back in front of the cameras. Joe, seduced by her life style, finds himself
trapped in Norma’s fantasy, but when he falls in love with another women and
attempts to leave, there are consequences that even he couldn’t write about!!!
There really was so much to admire with this production. Sound and lighting (Chris
Brearley) were both excellent. As soon as you entered the theatre you felt like you
were actually immersed in the set. Subtle touches like paintings of Norma around the
auditorium added to setting the scene. There was a screen projecting Harold Lloyd
movies across the entire stage as we arrived and it was another perfect touch to
immerse you in the period. The screen was used to great effect later in the show.
Brilliantly used to display the Joan of Arc movie Joe and Norma were watching and
then again later very cleverly showing the car arriving at the movie studios.
When the orchestra struck up its first notes, it was clear that this would be a stunning
musical masterpiece. Scott Kitchen as Musical Director was superb. The score was
given a luscious sound by Scott and his 15 piece pit orchestra and Zoe Roebuck as
choreographer had routines that worked perfectly with every number that required
movement. There was some expert and sensitive direction by Martin Stead. Martin
really needs to be congratulated on some really stand out moments. The scene
where Norma goes back to the studios and is noticed by Hog-Eye was incredibly
touching and made the hairs on my neck stand up. Some excellent use of space
brought an extra layer to the audience experience. Having the chase scene go
through the audience was a masterstroke. You can rightly be proud Martin it was
truly a beautiful piece of theatre.
Sunset Boulevard is not a big chorus show however 20 company members
supported the principle and supporting cast with great enthusiasm, energy and
brought a lighter side to the production perfectly. They also helped keep the pace of
the show just right by assisting the stage crew with set changes.

The change to and from the different New Years Eve parties was so swiftly and seamlessly done.

The supporting roles, notably Cecil B. DeMille (Richard Cook) Artie Green (Ben Maffin) Myron Sheldrake (Daniel Netherwood) and Manfred (Tom Waltham)  performed with expertise which was a bonus to the whole production. Finally the costumes hair and make up. I lost count as to how many costumes Norma wore, but they were exceptional and enhanced the production and her character. All other costumes were very good, appropriate for the time and again added that extra sparkle to the overall production. Congratulations to Karen Allison (Wardrobe) Jane Charlesworth, Judith Hollingworth and team (Hair and Make up).

Betty Schaefer was played by Gemma Armitage. As the young up and coming script
editor at Paramount Studios, Gemma portrayed the fiery yet fragile character
beautifully and her romantic duet ”Too Much in Love to Care” with Joe Gillis was
delightful.

Gareth Dickinson as Max Von Mayerling, Norma's butler and later revealed as
Norma’s first husband, gave the audience an unbelievably moving portrayal. His
solo,”The Greatest Star of All” has a wide vocal range and Gareth excelled in its
delivery. I was informed that Gareth hadn’t sung for 13 years and I truly hope we
don’t have to wait another 13 as he has a voice that needs to be heard.
Matt Ogden took on the role of Joe Gillis. A multi-faceted and complex character.
Desperate, ruthless, someone who will do anything to reach the top, romantic yet an
absolute cynic. This is a challenging role and Matt excelled in his execution of both
the drama and the singing. He was hardly ever off stage and developed the complex
relationship between Norma and Joe perfectly. You could see Matt had committed to
the role and gave a believable and assured display that never failed in taking the
audience on his journey. A mammoth role and brilliantly done.
Samantha Griffiths as Norma Desmond gave the audience a stellar performance.
Vocally very strong, faultless diction and eyes that deserved a credit of their own. It
was evident that Sam was up to the challenge of this fractured character. From her
first very dramatic entrance to her final moments, Sam captured the very essence of
“The Greatest Star of All”.  Her rendition of “With One Look” was outstanding,
however, “As If We Never Said Goodbye” which was set in the studio with the entire
cast present was nothing short of spellbinding!  A true master class and a privilege to
have witnessed it.
Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I and for making us feel so welcome. It
was a pleasure to have seen you during rehearsals and to be there on the night. I
feel extremely privileged to write this review for you and look forward to seeing you
all again soon.
 

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