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In its relatively short history the Menier Chocolate Factory which first opened its doors in 2004, has achieved an impressive record of putting on shows that are worth every penny of the ticket price and often transfer to the West End. These include the unforgettable Sunday in the Park with George, Little Shop of Horrors and Dealer's Choice. Terry Johnson's splendid production of Herry Herman and Harvey Fierstein's La Cage aux Folles could very well do the same. Based on Jean Poiret's play Fierstein's book tells the story of gay couple Georges (Philip Quast) and Albin (Douglas Hodge), whose world is turned upside down when Jean-Michel (Neil McDermott), the 24-year-old son they have raised, tells Georges not only is he about to marry - a girl - but also that she is the daughter of the deputy general of the TFM (traditional family and morality) political party.
Jean-Michel wants his intended's (Alicia Davies) parents (Una Stubbs and Iain Mitchell) to meet his birth mother rather than temperamental Albin. However, the diva does not do a disappearing act, but pretends to be the birth mother, so the parents meet Albin and Georges with hilarious consequences. Johnson's tender and entertaining production has been hit by illness - suffered first by Hodge and then other cast members - meaning that press night, which was initially set before Christmas, had to be postponed. The delay was certainly worth the wait as all the cast - particularly Hodge - give outstanding and memorable performances and from the outset you feel you are in one of the French transvestite night clubs that is the play's setting.
You enter the theatre through a red velvet corridor and , if you're a brave soul, you may even sit on one of the front-row tables. Be warned though - the actors may pick on you.
Added to this, Herman's lyrics including 'The Best of Times', 'With you on My Arm', 'Look Over There', and 'I Am What I Am' are still stimulating - they have been helped by marvelous orchestrations from Jason Carr and the wonderful seven-piece band which are seated on high, either side of the stage, as well as Les Cagelles - the glitzy five men and one female showy dancers who stunningly perform Lynne Page's choreography. All in all, this is a fantastic winter treat, which provides many unexpected laughs.
© Tribune
