La Vie Ennui is a light-hearted musical by Gregg Opelka set in the world of French cabaret. Chanteuses Fatiguee (Marianna Thompson) and Dominique (Suzanne Parrott) arrange for their boss to disappear for the evening so that they can perform their own show.

Both have very convincing French accents and the songs are pitch-perfect with good dance choreography by Lauren Anderson. Unfortunately the bits between the songs let it down. The characters are difficult to care about and it is telling that an obvious 'aaah' moment doesn't get one. But it could well be the fault of the venue - far too big and so mostly empty. It's a show about cabaret, and might be better somewhere more intimate.

The script is weak at times, with jokes which only raise a smile. The story is plodding and predictable. But the songs are enjoyable, very naturally integrated to the script, and avoid any 'here comes a song about exactly what we've just said'. It's technically strong, with well-thought-out lighting and an impressive double-sided set. But the set comes at a price, with what feels like maybe the longest ever scene-change. There are occasional, distracting problems with sound levels.

Later on it becomes easier to warm to Fatiguee. Marianna Thompson successfully conveys the sense of longing which seems right for the character. Her Fatiguee steals the end scene with a very convincing emotional rant as she stands up for herself, the underdog, against her boss. Unfortunately it's too little too late, and her performance is dragged down by Suzanne Parrott's shrill and annoying Dominique, which feels like acting only on one level. Stephen Rees's Jean-Paul-Pierre is very effective - the silent and brooding piano player. He's also playing the piano, and plays the songs with great skill - matched by Pete Hughes's fine playing on accordion. La Vie Ennui isn't an awful production by any means, but it isn't brilliant either. With perhaps a little more work, it could be a lot better.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Suzanne Parrott - Dominique. Stephen Rees - Jean-Paul-Pierre. Marianna Thompson - Fatiguee. Musicians - Pete Hughes, Stephen Rees.

Company Credits: Writer - Gregg Opelka. Directors - Lesley Phillips & Jenny Johns. Choreographer - Lauren Anderson. Technical Director - Sam Fletcher. Costume - Jenny Hughes. Hair Designer - Michelle Peirson. Backstage Crew - Adam Chisnell. Backstage Crew - Vicki Ferrelly. Backstage Crew - Gary Walker. Photography - Eloise Kilburn-Withers. Producer - uncredited. Company - High Maintenance Theatre Company.

END

(c) Matthew Rose 2009

reviewed Thursday 2 April 2009 / OFS Studio, Oxford UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com