The Savoy Theatre is not the largest theatre in London. Hidden along the cul-de-sac entrance to the famous Savoy Hotel, where the taxis drop off their guests, you might not notice its presence were it not for the Paddington the Musical store on the corner.
It is the summer's smash hit musical, and we were lucky to get tickets. Though not seated together, we did both get restricted-view seats in the front row of the Grand Circle.
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| Not the best view, but could be worse. |
The audience is a broad mix, from toddlers to grannies. I have a family on my left: mum, gran and two toddlers. The toddler next to me won't settle in her booster seat, preferring to bounce while holding the balcony railing. Her foot occasionally kicks my leg. The gran does her best to control the bundle of energy and is good at shushing her when she talks during the performance.
The show itself is fantastic, even from the high perch of the Grand Circle. I have to lean forward if the action is near the front of the stage, but otherwise the view is fine. Taking its story from the film, I have to say I found the songs catchy. Composed by Tom Fletcher of McFly, I could imagine him singing the Mr Brown songs, such is his distinct musical style. The production numbers are well choreographed, making good use of the ensemble in multiple roles. The staging is clever too, making use of the above and below as well as the audience box. The baddie is less Nicole Kidman and more Michelle Gomez as Missy from Doctor Who, which is no bad thing. Likewise, the Peter Capaldi role has been revamped, played in the style of Alan Carr crossed with Angelos Epithemiou. Tom Eddon plays it large, finding the right tone for such a comic role.
The bear is brilliant. At no time do you think that's a person in a costume, which is where a lot of the magic comes from.
The script is hilarious, breaking the fourth wall occasionally to bring in the orchestra conductor.
Bonnie Langford as Mrs Brown is a revelation. I didn't know she was in the show, only clicking when a reference was made to the show Cats (though she played Rumpleteaser, not Mr Mistoffelees). How she can still do the splits at her age is amazing!
At the interval, the lady sitting behind the toddler spoke to the gran, saying how relieved she was that the gran had taken the child onto her lap to control her; otherwise she would have been forced to say something. The gran apologised, and the family departed to do whatever people with children do at the interval. Meanwhile, the lady bitched to her friend about parenting standards these days. When the family returned, they had all swapped seats again, so the mum was now beside me. My second half was less distracted.
If you're going to see this show, and I do recommend it, remember to put a marmalade sandwich under your hat. (Take it off during the performance, though; otherwise the people behind you will turn nasty).
Ticket Price: £70 x2 (Grand Circle, Obstructed View) + £3.95 booking fee = £143.95 from ATG Tickets
PRODUCTION STILLS
(in no particular order)
Photography by Johan Persson
The CAST
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