Review: The Light Princess at the National Theatre

The Light Princess

National Theatre / Lyttelton 

Reviewed on Saturday 19th October 2013

Recently I've seen a few big new musicals which have been crying out for some love and attention and it has become rather frustrating. But following years of development, Tori Amos (music and lyrics) and Samuel Adamson's (book and lyrics) The Light Princess is the production I have been longing to see. It felt absolutely incredible to sit down and watch something completely new and fresh. The Light Princess takes many risks, many of which pay off, and while there may be some room for improvement and further development I was left in utter awe of the show. I could quite happily see it again and again and again.

The Light Princess is essentially a fairytale which isn't suitable for children (the National's website recommends the show for 13+). Some have questioned who the show is aimed at but I think many will find the piece intriguingly enchanting.  Following the death of her mother, Althea (aka The Light Princess) was left unable to cry and became so light with grief that she began to float and was locked away by her father. Prince Digby, who lives in an opposing kingdom, also lost his mother and became so heavy-hearted that he could never smile and so therefore trained as a warrior. 

A smart, short animation is projected at the beginning of the piece to explain the back story; the characters are then introduced when they are older. Of course it comes as no surprise that Princess Althea and Prince Digby strike up a (complex) relationship, but the musical has more depth than you may expect. 

Rae Smith's design is quite literally out of this world. The Light Princess is the most stunning production I have ever seen. The vision behind the piece is very, very clear and also extremely clever. The design is beautiful throughout; I particularly loved the scenes set in the lake which looked beyond heavenly. The Light Princess is quite a spectacle, but the design is actually fairly simple. Rae Smith is a very creative and imaginative human being.

When your leading lady needs to float for almost the entirety of your show, the most straightforward option would probably be to just give her a harness and attach her to some wires. I don't want to give anything away, but for the majority of the musical there are no wires... no harnesses... yet as the light princess Rosalie Craig's feet barely touch the ground. There is no avoiding the term 'thinking outside the box' as that is exactly what the creative team has done with almost every single element of this world class production.

Rosalie Craig gives the performance of a lifetime and is the definition of perfection. Not only can she sing, dance and act, but she can do it all while floating! For that alone she surely deserves several Olivier Awards. Rosalie has been attached to the production for several years and her clear understanding of the role is evident as she gives a faultless portrayal. 

Nick Hendrix also gives a well thought-out performance as Digby, although his vocals didn't blow me away. Amy Booth-Steel (Piper) is sensational, as The Light Princess progresses Amy really lets go and shows off her effortless vocal tones and talents. Stand out performances also come from Kane Oliver Parry (Llewelyn), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Falconer), Malinda Parris (Serjeant-at-Arms) and Clive Rowe (King Darius) who has finally been cast in a role which allows him to show off his incredible talents. 

Tori Amos' score is a revelation! Despite not being familiar with her work I found her music utterly mesmerising. First time round a couple of melodies are slightly irritating but they are repeated so many times that I couldn't help but fall in love with them and hum many of the musical numbers on my way home. A cast recording is needed urgently.

To give a five star review was tempting but The Light Princess is not yet a perfect musical. The running time could be a little shorter and in places the text needs to be tightened. I also wasn't too fond of the opening scene which is slightly underwhelming. There is something very graceful and elegant about this exquisite production. The Light Princess certainly cast a spell over me. The show plays at the National into the New Year but it would be a theatrical crime if there was no further life for this show.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

The Light Princess runs at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre until February 2014. 
Please visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for further information and tickets.

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