Review: The Boys from Syracuse at the Union Theatre

The Boys from Syracuse 

Union Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 12th October 2013

Based on Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, The Boys from Syracuse is written by the great Rodgers and Hart with libretto by George Abbott. Once again the Union Theatre has dug up a timeless classic and put on a high quality, intimate production.

The musical follows Antipholus and wily servant, Dromio, as they search for their respective twins. Expect mistaken identity and lots of excuses for a good song and dance. This feel good, laugh out loud musical provides a couple of hours of old-school fun.

Rodgers and Hart’s score is utterly delightful. The melodies are so catchy and repeated so many times that even those who have never heard the score before (myself included) will leave the theatre humming into the night. The music is innocently timeless; it was if I had travelled back in time. My personal highlight was ‘Sing for Your Supper’ during the second act which left the audience grinning from ear to ear. It was three minutes of musical perfection. I love the tradition of the cast reprising the final chorus of a song straight after the number has ended; it adds a touch of magical glamour to proceedings.

Mark Smith’s choreography is nothing short of incredible. I don't know how he has managed to put together routines which are suitable for both the size of the cast and space. The 'stage' is particularly small yet I didn't think the choreography felt at all squashed and somehow it was still quite a spectacle. I found the sequence which concludes the first act particularly transfixing. The cast’s execution was so elegant and effortless and almost left me in some sort of trance.

The Union always puts together a good cast, and their latest production is no exception. The programme is bursting with West End credits and both the leads and ensemble perform with warmth and flare. While all the cast give stellar performances, for me Natalie Woods stole the show with her luscious, growly vocal tones and hugely over the top portrayal of Luce. I hope it’s not too long before I see Natalie grace the London stage again soon. The small band, tucked away in the corner, are also terrific. 

The only weak element of this production is its design. While it was ‘ok’, it didn’t bring anything to the piece which came as a surprise. I usually arrive at the Union Theatre feeling very excited to see how the space has been transformed. The set designer has certainly gone for the safer option on this occasion.

If you’re a fan of old school musical theatre there is simply no way you can miss this dazzling production of The Boys from Syracuse. It’s as far away as possible from a hard-hitting, thought provoking piece of theatre. The Boys from Syracuse is a beautiful production of a classical, witty musical.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

The Boys from Syracuse runs at the Union Theatre until 26th October 2013.
Please visit www.uniontheatre.biz for further information and tickets.

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