La Cage aux Folles

Sometimes a revival has the cards stacked against it from the get go, and especially this time for those of us who saw the original and several further productions of this Jerry Herman classic. Add to that both the original French movie farce and the subsequent American remake and any production has a tough job. And this new revival certain works very hard to hit the right spots – and often does just that, great set, costumes and a cast of Cagelles, the glittering drag chorus, that can really deliver those high kicks and deep splits. Marti Webb strides out and the voice is as powerful as ever and Dougie Carter and Alexandra Robinson are great as the young lovers. Samson Ajewole’s Jacob is perfectly camp and Adrian Zmed gets the role of George just right – it all stacks up so well and is packed with such promise.

But then we come to John Partridge… Now let me be clear about this, Partridge gives an amazing performance, punchy when needed, tender at the right moments and extremely funny too. He also looks amazing, strikingly feminine, lithe and animated and with a strong voice, although some of his phrasing is a little odd. So what did I not like, well I am sad to say that he is too pretty, too slim and too oddly northern, more Blackpool than St Tropez, and for this I lay the blame at the director’s feet – one has to ask the question why? Northern? Sorry, it simply does not work, nor did I like the constant interaction with the audience, that form of UK drag repartee simply did not convey French cabaret, well not to me. The audience however lapped it up and I applaud the company for that. As an evening’s entertainment it possibly does not come much better, but for some of us I am sure we hankered after a dumpy and mature Albin.

17 August

Theatre Royal Brighton

Andrew Kay

[rating: 3/5]