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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
It's a Fine Life
Verdict: Lionel Bart's fact and fiction
Hornchurch - The Queen's Theatre - 25 Aug to 16 Sept 06 - 20:00 (duration unknown)
It's a Fine Life faces the dangers and problems inherent in biographical theatre head on. Music and lyrics are from the composer Lionel Bart, who is the central character. The conflict inevitably presents difficulties.
Some of the musical numbers are crudely shoe-horned into thematically irrelevant scenes. It is occasionally not possible to appreciate the talent of the singers while struggling to adjust after the clumsy prelude to their song. But sometimes a song which at first seems unsuitable creates a moment of theatrical magic - when correlations between fact and fiction (Lionel Bart and his art) - shine through.
Matt Devitt's warm portrayal of Lionel Bart opens up the character's world, his hotel, his non-stop party. Lionel Bart's line 'They are all stars that sparkle' fits Diana Croft, whose Joan Littlewood (former artistic director of the Theatre Royal, Stratford) lights up the production. Diana Croft and Maria Lawson (Nancy) provide faultless and charismatic delivery.
It's a Fine Life's key problem is its unclear structure. It's often hard to see what the play is trying to achieve. It is part-satire, part-revue, part tragi-comedy. Sometimes it comes across as a
sketchy showcase of Lionel Bart's repertoire, morphing briefly into a poignant profile. It's pepperered with (very well-delivered) Christmas-cracker jokes, and sometimes slips into pantomime - followed by some other surprising change in direction.
There's an example in the second half, when Philip Reed's Charlie is held up to confusing, shallow, comedy ridicule - then flourishes in an enthralling, powerful As Long As He Needs Me. Even someone of Philip Reed's talent evidently finds it hard to reconcile this transition. But this solo is touching. So is the stunning arrangement and orchestration of Where is Love?, done as a duet.
It's a Fine Life has a superb set (by Mark Walters), well-considered costumes (by Dinah England), and choreography (by Elizabeth Marsh). Overall, it's enjoyable and uplifting.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Fagin - James Earl Adair. Bill - Richard Brightiff. Joan Littlewood - Diana Croft. Lionel Bart - Matt Devitt. Barbara Windsor - Karen Fisher-Pollard. Mrs Begleiter - Allison Harding. Fred - Simon Jessop. Nancy - Maria Lawson. Charlie - Philip Reed. Frankie - Steve Simmonds.
Company Credits: Music & Lyrics - Lionel Bart. Book - Chris Bond. Director - Bob Carlton. Set Designer - Mark Walters. Costume Designer - Dinah England. Musical Director - David Barber. Lighting Designer - Matthew Eagland. Sound Designer - Rick Clarke. Choreographer - Elizabeth Marsh. On the Book - Cassie Gallagher. Sign Language Interpreter - Tracey Tyer. Audio Describer - Terence John. Producer - (uncredited). Company - Queen's Theatre. Artistic Director Queen's Theatre - Bob Carlton.
END
(c) Claire Roberts 2006
reviewed Tuesday 29 August 06 / Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
