Review: Boy Meets Boy at the Jermyn Street Theatre

Boy Meets Boy
Jermyn Street Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th November 2012 (Press Night)

"The time: December 11th 1936. The place: the elegant Savoy Hotel in London. Outside, the abdication crisis is reaching its climax, the United States reels from the Great Depression and Continental Europe is shadowed by the menace of Hitler and the National Socialist party as storm clouds gather for the maelstrom to come. Inside, society London exists in the twilight of empire - a hedonistic bubble where party-goers dance away the last years of peace. Boy Meets Boy is set against this backdrop of pre-war London sophistication, a world of cocktails and carriages, black-tie and ball-dresses, where Nightingales Sing in Berkeley Square and unconventional romance blooms."

Boy Meets Boy originally opened off-Broadway in 1975 at the Actors’ Playhouse and ran for 463 performances. This is the shows UK premiere. I cannot understand why it has taken so long for such an outstanding show to open in the UK. Boy Meets Boy draws you into a fascinating world (in 1936) where gay relationships and marriages are perfectly acceptable and have been for years.

Boy Meets Boy is a timeless classic, it is the best musical comedy I have seen for a long time. Bill Solly's score has moments of outrageous hilarity and pure vulnerability.

The intimate Jermyn Street Theatre provides an experience like no other. It is the perfect venue for such an endearing, enjoyable show. You can see every single eye movement and hear every single note sung crystal clear as microphones are not necessary in such an intimate performance space.

The cast are strong. Stephen Ashfield, who originated the role of  Bob Gaudio in the West End production of Jersey Boys, shines as Casey O'Brien. The depth in Stephen's performance is intriguing and his voice is somewhat enchanting. He managed to cast a spell over the audience while singing In Love Never during Act 2.

Craig Fletcher also gave a first-class performance as Guy Rose. It was fascinating to experience Guy's journey which took some unexpected twists and turns. However, it was Ben Kavanagh who stole the show as Clarence Cutler. He plays the perfect villain. A good comedy actor only has to look at an audience to have them in stitches. This is something Ben excelled at. The ensemble were fierce and versatile. 

Boy Meets Boy stands out from the crowd. It is not just another musical comedy. The show has class and an exhilarating storyline. You cannot help but leave the Jermyn Street Theatre with a cheesy smile on your face. If you fancy a change from the usual musical you must go and see Boy Meets Boy. You will not be  disappointed. 

Boy Meets Boy runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 20th December 2012. 

Visit www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Photo Credit: Roy Tan

Click here to read West End Frame's recent interview with Stephen Ashfield

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