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Review by Emma Whitelaw
STEPHEN Fry’s Bright Young Things aint got nothing on the
characters from The Wild Party, now showing at
Riverside Studios.
Set in the roaring 20’s, the devilishly good time guys
'n gals indulge their wicked ways in a fashionably chic orgy-like
party.
Based on the famous narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March, the
darkly sensual musical is about two lovers, vaudeville dancer
Queenie, played by the dazzling Heather Panton, and psychotic
clown Burrs, played by Robert Archibald.
Their relationship is on somewhat of a downturn and, in order
to spice things up again, Queenie decides to throw a party. And
not just any party, she embarks upon organising a party to end
all parties!
Anyone who is anyone is invited; a famous boxer, a flamboyant
lesbian, gay composers, hookers and lookers alike will join forces
for what could only be a notorious night of debauchery.
Enter good time gal, Kate, played by the gorgeous Helen Hurd.
Eager to set a trap so that she can get her hands on her beloved
Burrs, Kate brings along her latest beau, Black, played by Andrew
Thwaite, knowing all too well that he is exactly the bait she
needs to sway Queenie’s attentions and consequently bag
her man.
The interesting story is told through music and believable dialogue.
However, at times, some of the lyrics were lost due to the big
band jazz being slightly too big.
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That said, the musical accompaniment
was simply stunning. The various numbers ranged from sexed up
jazzy numbers to sweetly sung ballads, all of which were highly
entertaining.
The 18-strong cast are nothing short of amazing!
Each member is as talented as the next, with incredible voices,
and they mastered the sexy numbers with ease.
The cast were equally talented as dancers, while the suggestive
movements merely added to the deliciously decadent plot.
There are simply far too many to mention, but outstanding performances
would have to be those of Rachel Rose Reid, as the cutesy minor,
Nadine, and Amanda Liberman, as the sexual predator, Madeline.
Liberman had the audience in stitches with her sexual advances
towards the innocent Nadine.
And Reid, too, had many a laugh with her innocently kooky ways.
Both actresses portrayals are indeed commendable and they certainly
stole the show.
A party of such wantonness could only end in tears, and although
I won’t say who’s, I will just say the trouble arises
when the hosts’ decide to pair off with other partners.
Queenie is the sort of woman who always gets what she wants
and this night is no exception!
The Wild Party was a tremendous success; if you haven’t
already been invited, I suggest you hop to it!
The Wild Party by Andrew Lippa. Directed by David Dorrian.
Starring: Heather Panton, Robert Archibald, Andrew Thwaite, Helen
Hurd, Amanda Liberman, Aaron Romano, Kira Lauren, Ian Lilley,
Martin Cabble, Daniel Broadhurst, Rachel Rose Reid, Clare Lomas,
Simon Basey, Joseph Wicks, Holly Boothby, Rebecca Kenyon, Rebecca
Mitchell and Hugo Trebels. 27th July to 7th August at Riverside
Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London, W6. Box Office 020 8237
1111. |
