Review: Gay's the Word at the Jermyn Street Theatre

Gay's the Word
Jermyn Street Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 8th February 2013 (Press Night)

"Novello sends up his famous Ruritanian extravagances in this backstage musical comedy. Former stage star Gay Daventry opens a drama school and finds what is needed to get her back on top..."

Gay's the Word is a show filled with colour, charm and joy. I'm pretty sure even the most miserable person in the world could not help but smile from beginning to end. Ivor Novello's musical is very witty and has a brilliant score.

The cast is enormous, I couldn't believe my eyes as all these larger than life characters burst onto the small stage. Despite the stage being so small, the cast coped well, especially during the act one finale 'Vitality'. Strangely, what I loved most about this production is that it wasn't perfect which made it extremely endearing. The entire cast's enthusiasm is infectious.

Helena Blackman gives a stunning performance as Linda Severn. The Jermyn Street Theatre is small, so microphones are not necessary, meaning every note Helena sang could be heard crystal clear. Everything about her performance was perfect and after her recent appearance in Impotent at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre, Helena has proven that she is a very talented, versatile actress.

Magnificent performances came from Eileen Page, Elizabeth Seal, Gaye Brown and Andrea Miller as the four teachers. I was crying with laughter during their act two opener 'Teaching'. But of course it is Sophie-Louise Dann who is the star of the show as Gay Daventry. Her feisty portrayal is perfect. She owns the stage, demands the audience's full attention and of course her voice is terrific. It seems Sophie-Louise was born to play this part.

Gay's the Word is the first production to run in the Jermyn Street Theatre since its recent refurbishment. It is still just as hard to find your seat and the toilets are still across the stage but that is all part of the fun. 

This uplifting show is a must see. Gay's the Word runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre until Saturday 2nd March 2013. Please visit www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read West End Frame's recent interview with Helena Blackman

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