Does anyone still wear, a hat? I’ll drink to that!
Here’s to the ladies who lunch, and the cast of ‘Steve’! Whom I was lucky enough to watch live last night during their press night performance. The play, directed by Andrew Keates, is currently making its European premiere in the heart of London at The Seven Dials Playhouse.
The minute I stepped into the space, I was greeted by an infectious buzz and undeniable anticipation for this inaugural production at Seven Dials Playhouse. Having previously run in NYC in 2015, where it was listed as The New York Times Critic’s Pick, I was yearning to delve into a world of escapism, comedy and more Stephen Sondheim references than an Off-Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George!
‘Steve’ illuminates LGBTQ+ relationships, both romantic and platonic. The play navigates the highs and lows of getting older, long-term friendship, monogamy, saying goodbye and being alive.Accompanied on stage by pianist Ben Papworth, this stellar cast of six had the audience in the palms of their hands from the first Vodka Stinger to the last laugh. The pre-show entertainment of live accompaniment created an ambience of instant ease, allowing us as audience members to sit back, and simply immerse ourselves within the charm and light-hearted nature of the story, and each character.
It’s rare to find a cast where it’s clear that there is an unspoken bond that goes further than just simply reading text from a script. A connection of trust, understanding and appreciation for each other’s talents and delivery. This, in my opinion, is what takes a play from being good to something uniquely joyous. This is precisely what this cast achieved last night, and I have no doubt will continue to do throughout their run.
Credit must be given to lead David Ames, playing ‘Steven’, with a ‘VN’, who showcased a delightful range of characterisation, tone, and emotion. Other Stephen, with a ‘PH’, played by Joe Aaron Reid, was an equal delight, proving once again why he deserves every bit of success to date. The comedy came in thick and fast from Michael Walters (Matt), Nico Conde (Esteban), and Giles Cooper (Brian), each of whom contributed brilliantly to the cast with their versatility and wit. The cast was completed last, but by no means least, Jenna Russell (Carrie) who delivered a stellar performance as the true heart of this production. It’s ironic that some of the cast members have previously appeared in Netflix productions, as each scene felt like the newly dropped episode in the latest binge series, that frankly, I didn’t want to end!
‘Steve’ is an absolute delight to watch. It is jam-packed with every ingredient that you hope to see in a play when booking. Humour, heart, and a hop skip and a jump through sensational and satirical Sondheim references, what’s not to love?
Snap up a ticket while you can, because I am confident, that this is going to be a hit!
Review by Adam Tipping
Rating: ★★★★★
