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Review by Emma Whitelaw
LOVE can certainly make you do crazy things, but could anything
be as crazy as commitment? As part of their centenary celebrations,
the Stock Exchange Dramatic Operatic Society, aka SEDOS, presents
Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, Company.
Paul Knapp is superb as Robert, the quintessential bachelor.
With a string of beauties to his name, Robert quite happily lives
a solitary existence. That is until his friends take it upon themselves
to introduce their good pal to the joys of married life.
On his 35th birthday, Robert contemplates his single status and
confronts the possibility that he is missing out on something
from not being married. He probes and questions the relationships
of those around him.
His very best friends are either married, been married or about
to get married. Understandably confused by his friends' double
messages about marriage, Robert examines the pros and cons of
each relationship.
The first marriage that falls under the microscope is that of
Sarah and Harry. Chloe Faine is adorable as the karate chopping,
diet obsessed Sarah. Periodically forgetting his pledge to never
drink again, Chris de Pury is hilarious as her other half, Harry.
Young parents and self-confessed 'squares', Jenny and David are
the next shining example of marital bliss.
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While sharing a spliff with the happy
couple, it occurs to Robert that Jenny, played by the lovely Samantha
Gallop, is held back by her husband. Feeling stoned for the very
first time, Jenny really lets her hair down, much to the disgust
of David, Craig Karpel.
Robert’s observations only confirm his doubts about tying
the knot. The biggest shock comes when he discovers seemingly
perfect couple, Susan and Peter (Jo Webber and Andrew Overin)
have decided to get a divorce.
The confusion only continues when Robert admits to ex-lover and
long-time friend, Kathy, that he would have married her.
Emma Hughes is excellent as the 'one that got away'. She admits
that she would have married him too – if only he had asked!
The entire cast were superb! Though I must say that it was Susan
William’s Marta who stole the show.
Her characterisation of the effervescently kooky, New York loving
potential 'Miss Right' was sublime.
Reminiscent of Kate Winslet in Eternal
Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, she had the audience in fits
of laughter and I particularly liked her rendition of Another
Hundred People.
With a host of comical characters accompanied by a fabulous live
band it sure makes for an extremely entertaining night out. You
are guaranteed to be in good company!
Stephen Sondheim's Company
Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, Blackfriars EC4Y 8EQ.
April 13 – 23 (no performances on 17 or 18 April).
Evenings: 7.45pm, Saturday matinees: 3.15pm.
Box office: 020 7226 3633 (Tower Theatre) (50p booking fee per
transaction on Credit Card bookings)
Charity night: 50% of ticket income from the performance on Wednesday,
April 20 will go to Remedi, SEDOS's charity of the year
Tickets: £15; £12 preview night; £10 concessions
and SEDOS members (15% discount on groups of 10 or more)
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