Review: The World Goes 'Round at the Union Theatre

The World Goes 'Round
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 17th January 2014

The World Goes 'Round is a musical revue showcasing the terrific and iconic music of Kander and Ebb, the writing team behind some of the best and most classic musicals of all time including Cabaret, Chicago and Kiss of the Spiderwoman. The Union Theatre's production is an absolute must see for hardcore musical theatre fans fond of Kander and Ebb's work.

The cast bring such maturity and life experience to their performances. Kander and Ebb's music is all about telling a story - every single song has a clear story to tell with such meaning behind the lyrics and, whilst not every note was always perfect, every lyric was performed with thought, passion and meaning. 

Stand out performances came from Simon Green, who bounced off the audience with ease, and Lisa Stokke (pictured right) who, as well as bringing a touch of fun and playfulness to proceedings, has a fantastic belt. Her voice filled the Union Theatre without any help from amplification.

What makes this production of The World Goes 'Round work is Kirk Jameson's sophisticated staging. If you tear the show apart it is simply five actors and an ensemble performing song after song after song, but Jameson has staged The World Goes 'Round with stylish flair, reinventing some of Kander and Ebb's best loved songs with a simple yet elegant design. The staging is never too much and never too little.

The live piano accompaniment sounded classy throughout. However, during 'All That Jazz', as the song built up and progressed into a big dance number (featuring divine choreography from Sam Spencer Lane) the accompaniment did sound a little empty. The staging was wonderful put perhaps more suited for a larger performance space with a big band. Other than that particular number the show is hard to fault.

The highlight of the evening was the re-invention of the title number from Cabaret, it was so nice to hear a classic performed in a completely new way. Kander and Ebb's music is utterly timeless and to watch some of their most famous songs performed in such a raw and stripped back setting is nothing but a joy.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read West End Frame's Big Interview with cast member Lisa Stokke.

The World Goes ‘Round runs at the Union Theatre until Saturday 8th February 2014.
Please visit www.uniontheatre.biz for further information and tickets.

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