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BBC BRISTOL
Sunset Boulevard wows Bristol
Review by Caron Parsons
It is impossible for any lover of the theatre to go along to a production by Andrew
Lloyd-Webbers’s Really Useful Company and not expect to see an immaculately
presented, pressed and polished performance.
And his latest musical to bring its national tour to Bristol, Sunset Boulevard, completely
lives up to that expectation.
Here is a production that delivers exactly what is expected of it and even offers a little
more.
Set in Los Angeles in 1949 it tells the story of a fading star of the silver screen, Norma
Desmond and her encounter with a young writer hungry for fame and fortune.
A tale that takes us through longing, ambition, compassion and worship to betrayal,
madness and ultimately death.
A proficient young support cast is kept firmly in the shadows by the talents of Michael
Bauer, Jeremy Finch and Faith Brown.
Bauer plays Max Von Mayerling, butler and nursemaid to Norma Desmond “the greatest
star of all”.
His wonderful singing voice and strong stage presence providing the perfect foil to the
other two leads.
The highly talented, and, let’s face it, very attractive, Jeremy Finch was excellent
in the part of young writer Joe Gillis.
As Joe’s compassion for Norma and love of the high-life war with his needs as a
writer, and as a man, Finch lends just the right amount of weight to the role to stop his
character becoming simply a money grabbing toy-boy.
His feelings for Norma seem real, even if they are not the feelings she hopes for.
Which brings us to Faith Brown the undisputed star of the show in her role as Norma
Desmond.
You may remember Ms Brown from her TV impressions and comedy work and for me the most
startling thing about the evening was not her competence in the role of the decaying star,
but the sheer power of her voice.
She simply took over the stage when she sang, however many other characters might have
been on it.
And her costumes, designed by Rob Howell, were simply, and please forgive the pun, to die
for.
The music, composed of course by Lloyd-Webber and conducted, with immense gusto, by
Douglas Whyte was enjoyable.
Not as memorable perhaps as some of Lloyd-Webber’s previous works, but having said
that I find myself humming the theme tune as I write this piece, so perhaps slightly more
catchy than I had realized.
Special mention must also be given to those who carried out the extremely quick costume
changes and the many changes of set.
Even when the theatre was at its most quiet the cumbersome looking stairway, which
provided a focal point of the story, was moved in absolute silence.
The whole production ended with a huge dramatic flourish and as the sun set on Sunset
Boulevard the world of dreams created by Norma Desmond on the silver screen brushed off
onto a highly satisfied audience at the Bristol Hippodrome.
NOWT2DO.COM
Sunset's a masterpiece!
by Chris Cox
Based on the classic Billy Wilder Oscar-winning movie, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset
Boulevard is based around an interesting story. Through music, it manages to show all the
twists, turns and sudden happenings of this complex plot...very un-musical like!
It even has a curious ending, which will leave you guessing, but on your feet applauding.
In fact the musical is more of a light opera as such...I'm rather sure that not a single
line was said but please don't let that put you off.
The music at the beginning may seem strange and off putting but the more this show moves
the more engrossed you get, the more the music grows on you and the more you realise how
haunting it is totally reflecting the time, era, and mood.
This is a masterpiece of musical theatre. It shows why it won copious amounts of awards.
The music is truly spectacular in this very unusual and intriguing evening's
entertainment. 50s Hollywood is wonderfully created through the use of beautiful sets,
simple yet effective lighting, realistic props, and a plethora of costumes and wigs.
Sunset manages to use the depth of the Hippodrome's vast stage effortlessly and it
benefits from it. Once again as with Singing In The Rain a few weeks ago video projection
is used, but sparingly thus adding to its effect on the audience.
The enormous grandeur of Norma's house and that amazing staircase is also reflected
through the use of other sets using a small amount of the stage, a clever device! Certain
numbers stand out during the show such as "Sunset Boulevard", "The Perfect
Year" and the show stopping "As If We Never Said Goodbye" performed to
rapturous applause by Faith Brown as Norma.
Her utterly convincing portal of this difficult character contains just the right amount
of melodrama and craziness to make the audience be sure she is the person, not just
playing a role.
The eccentric, insecure and somewhat psychotic character progressively breaks down
throughout and Faith never falters to deliver an award worthy performance.
Michael Bauer's performance as Max shows true performers versatility in singing, but
Jeremy Finch as Joe the main man, so to speak, who talks to the audience as a narrator
delivers without question one incomparable performance. His style, singing and presence
are that I have never seen of an actor before. Truly magnificent.
The compelling story and lingering score which features lyrics of unimaginably fulfilled
potential make this a real theatregoers summer treat for Bristol.