Porgy and Bess
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 26th July 2014
★★★★
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Regarded as "a landmark piece of American theatre," I knew very little about the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess prior to seeing this production. I relished every moment of discovering this uniquely iconic piece of theatre for the very first time.
The show follows Porgy, a crippled beggar, who puts his heart and soul into keeping Bess on the straight and narrow and out of reach from her aggressive lover Crown and drug dealer Sportin' Life. Described as a "folk opera", I was taken aback by the beauty of Porgy and Bess' entrancing score and was pleasantly surprised to recognise several numbers, including the stunningly written 'Summertime'.
It is an utter privilege to see Nicola Hughes reprise her performance as Bess. Hughes received an Olivier nomination for her portrayal of Bess in Trevor Nunn’s 2006 West End production. The role is complex, but Hughes' performance is masterful, Bess is easy to care for but Hughes' brings that all-important grit to her portrayal. Porgy and Bess is all about loyalty and giving into temptation. Hughes graces the stage with both strength and vulnerability whilst showcasing her divine vocal talents.
Rufus Bonds Jr and Phillip Boykin both shine as Porgy and Crown alongside the most remarkably strong supporting cast I have seen for months. It is incredible to see so many extraordinarily talented performers sharing the stage, with particular standout performances coming from Sharon D Clarke, Cedric Neal, Jade Ewen, Leon Lopez and Golda Rosheuvel as well as Claudia Kariuki and Tyrone Huntley.
Ewen's vocals soar as she gives an impressive rendition of 'Summertime' whilst Lopez's performance of song and dance number 'A Woman is a Sometime Thing' provides one of the evening’s highlights. The entire company are constantly on and off stage throughout the show, performing with such commitment and passion.
The band sound terrific and, whilst it's a shame they're off-stage and out of sight throughout the duration of the show, it is wonderful to see them file onstage to take a bow at the end of the performance. All musicals should end with the orchestra taking a bow onstage alongside the rest of the company!
Directed by Timothy Sheader, Porgy and Bess is another inspiring production at London's most magical theatre. It is a beautifully crafted show which has been smartly staged at the Open Air Theatre with a cast that cannot be faulted.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Porgy and Bess runs at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until Saturday 23rd August 2014.
Please visit www.openairtheatre.com for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit: Hugo Glendinning
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