A stellar cast leads by example in this triumphant opening night.
Mel Brooks’ classic musical about a
struggling Broadway producer dazzled tonight as the nationwide tour stops at
Woking. With its all-star cast living up to their top line billing and support
cast raising the bar; this was a production for others to live up to.
The script was funny and tight, the comedy on
point, slapstick and just a touch bawdy and blue and the songs memorable and bright.
The set was simple and scaled down (cue mini sized taxi prop!) but this only
helped to fuel the actor’s fire.
To the supporting cast first and the ensemble
showed their versatility in a number of roles from prison inmates, lustful
grannies and members of the Roger De Bris’ theatrical company and really
brought the company numbers to life. Lee Proud’s choreography was humorous and
detailed and expertly executed by all involved with special mention to Jay Webb
who really caught the eye.
Tiffany Graves was sexy and funny as Swedish
starlet Ulla who falls in love with Leo Bloom (Jason Manford) while David
Bedella was excellent as theatrical laughing stock Roger De Bris who stole the
second act with his performance in surprise success story “Springtime for
Hitler”.
Cory English lead the cast superbly as Max
Bialystock, the producer down on his luck and looking to get his career back on
track. Great comic timing and
Ross Noble turned in a brilliant physical
performance as crazy writer Franz Liebkind, using his many years’ experience as
a stand-up comedian to great effect. It was an intense, polished and bold
performance and the role suited his mad-cap stage persona.
The real surprise of the night was the
performance of Jason Manford as charming Leo Bloom. Under confident and unlucky
in love, he delivered an incredible performance proving he is more than just a
stand-up comedian. He can, dance and boy, can he sing. His performance was full
of idiosyncrasies and had clearly put a lot of work into the
This was an exceptional production with first
class performers from the leading men, wonderful supporting performers from the
ensemble and proof that there is life in this story some 47 years after the
film’s release. Go catch this production,
you won’t regret it.
Rating: ★★★★★
