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The place - A street in Rome, a long, long, time ago. On stage - 3 houses with 3 revolving doors. The stage is set for a fast and furious romp through misunderstandings, confusion and intrigue and all done to music and in togas!
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is one of those shows that you either get, or you don't! The farce elements are very dominant with good use being made of those revolving doors! Personally I find the music a little complicated with not too many memorable tunes, but the lyrics are masterful. Stephen Sondheim at his best.
The show opens with an introduction by Desmond Barrit as Prologus and the tone of the evening is well and truly set. The whole cast appear on stage for Comedy Tonight, surely one of the best openings of any musical, ever.
There are some very notable performances, Barrit plays Pseudolus with undertones and the look of Frankie Howerd. His comic timing here is second to none and his energy throughout the show is enormous. Sam Kelly gives a wonderful performance, maybe more at home in the knock about elements of the show than others. Hamish McColl is hysterical as Hysterium and Isla Blair as Domina was a delight, who interestingly played young Philia in the 1963 version. A real case of Tempus Fugit!
The first half I felt was a little overlong, but as it was a preview I sure that could change slightly before the opening night.
Now - Philip Quast - after the opening song he disappears for an hour! My main gripe about the whole show! His character Miles Gloriosus is a Captain in the Roman army who is conceited, arrogant, flamboyant and larger than life. As Philip is head and shoulders taller than anyone else on stage he carries this off particularly well! His entrance is a sight worth the ticket price alone. 'I'm a parade' he yells at one point and who could disagree. Gold knee high boots, the shortest leather tunic ever seen on a London stage, barely covering his modesty and a helmet adorned with Pan wings and a big read feather! His main song 'Bring me my Bride' is an absolute tour de force. His voice is stronger than ever and in this character he can really show it off. The power and clarity of his voice stopped the show.
The second half of the show is much shorter and gallops along as all the loose endings and misunderstandings are cleared up.
The audience loved the performance and were very appreciative of the cast. It was great to see Philip in an ensemble piece, he seemed so much happier not to be right in the middle of the stage. He is looking particularly fit and is very confident in his appearance as he strides, runs, dances (yes dances!) and high kicks across the stage, certainly a sight I never thought I would be lucky enough to see. Great to see Philip enjoying himself in a complete angst-free zone!
A real gem of a performance and a must for any Quastie who can possibly make it to the South Bank.
