Under review: All That Sparkles

With Dave Lynn in the lead role as Lil, this was bound to be an evening of fun. Over the years he has proved to be a worthwhile performer and one who puts his all into every role. This was no exception and it made fine use of his skill as a female impersonator, singer and pretty decent actor.

The show itself has much to like too. The story is good, a young boy, Harry, decides at a young age to live his life as a woman. It’s a decision that makes life tough but somehow he pulls it off and becomes a much loved part of the East End community and a solid rock when it comes to supporting others.

Richard Pocock plays his purple poof partner Maisie with ease, sordid, sleazy and walking a very dangerous line as a promiscuous homosexual when such things were not only frowned upon but illegal. Stephen Richards proves for a second time that there is much more behind his usual onstage persona of Lola Lasagne with a tough part as Lil’s straight and dodgy brother. The rest of the cast are good, in particular Holli Hoffman and Corinna Gray.

I enjoyed the songs too, not only the faux east end romps but the more tender and moving ballads. That said they do call out for a fuller score to underpin the complexities which at times leave the vocal lines sounding a little naked.

DIAMOND, Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome, 5 June 2013
Andrew Kay