★★★★★
As La Cage aux Folles marks 40 years since its Broadway debut, its reimagining at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre demonstrates the timeless charm of the iconic musical. In a flurry of sequins, feathers and high-kicks, audiences are transposed to the sunnier shores of St Tropez, celebrating the themes of pride and self-expression from the hottest drag nightclub in the Mediterranean.
AN ARTISTIC TOUR DE FORCE
The production marks a jubilant farewell for Artistic Director Tim Sheader, who terminates his residency at the Open Air Theatre after a 16-year run. In tribute to one of the first gay love stories represented onstage, he brings to life the story of club owner Georges and Albin. Domestic bliss is soon shattered, however, by the unwelcome news that Georges’ son is engaged to the daughter of a right-wing politician bent on eradicating the local drag scene. I love the artistic choices in the show which bring it up to date especially the fact that the cast are allowed to use their own accents so we are treated to Welsh from icon John Owen-Jones, Turkish from Hemi Yeroham, Mackem from Debbie Kurup and so much more. Brilliant, funny and still set in the South of France.
This is a great set up for a vibrant exploration of identity and self-expression, driven by energetic choreography and iconic numbers like”I Am What I Am.” The show is laugh-out-loud funny and very tender at the same time. While themes once taboo in the 80s are less challenging to modern audiences, love and acceptance continue to cut through the musical’s humour and whimsy. In particular, Carl Mullaney gives an impassioned performance as Albin which perfectly toes the line between the comic primadonna and a palpable craving for security and understanding. Carl and this iconic part were made for each other in every way. The way he moves, breathes and every action has so much poise and feels ever so natural. Carl also has a voice that can sing anything and absolutely belts the sh*t out of these highly hummable songs.
THE MUSIC
The songs in the show have really held up over the last 40 years. This is a true test of any good musical, the musicality. There are up-tempo numbers, ballads, solos, duets and everything in between. A true testament to Jerry Herman, these songs are memorable and hugely uplifting. The kind of songs you go over and over in your head and drags you back to the show over and over again. I could list all of them but favourites include (A Little More) Mascara where we first meet Albin, the romantic Song on the Sand, the poignant messages in Look Over There and of course the uplifting The Best of Times.
THE CAST
This is, without a doubt one of the most talented, hard-working and diverse casts in all of London right now. Such breadth and depth of utter talent and brimming full of triple threats who are not only doing their thing every night but also dealing with the unpredictable weather that graces their every move. The Cagelles really complete and lead this cast. This extraordinarily strong and together ensemble high kick, whip and split their way through as well as always having a close eye on the rest of the show. Each one of them is so individual and showcases the very best of diversity and dance in the West End. The dramatic staircases they have to ascend and descend wearing the longest heels you have ever seen are worth the ticket price alone!
As well as the brilliant Carl Mullaney, Billy Carter (Georges) is on stage nearly all the time and compères the show with those Scottish dulcet tones and love for his on stage family. Debbie Kurup (Jacqueline) is hilarious. Just watch her eyes and comic timing throughout and of course that brilliant voice. John Owen-Jones (Edward Dindon) was our Editor’s first ever Valjean (both showing their musical theatre ‘maturity!’) and is sensational as the unpopular Dindon. He is only on stage for half an hour and his acting is a triumph of grumpiness, a little bit of lust and utter disdain for fun.
Excellent comic timing from other cast members such as Shakeel Kimotho, who plays Jacob, the couple’s cheeky live-in maid, has the audience firmly onside from the outset, keeping the laughs rolling in throughout. Dazzling costumes from Ryan Dawson Laight elevate the spectacle of the ensemble, whose designs beautifully accentuate every flash of a wrist or tease of a mule.
While the British Summer might leave everyone cold this August, La Cage aux Folles is musical theatre at its very best. The audience also bring a certain sparkle to Regents Park, with many dressing the part donning pearls with their ponchos. You will be heartened to find that the classic feels fresh as ever – after all, 40 never looked so good.
La Cage aux Folles will be running at the Open Air Theatre until 16 September 2023.
To discover more visit: openairtheatre.com
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All imagery courtesy of Mark Senior and Johan Persson.