Review: Finian's Rainbow at the Union Theatre

Finian's Rainbow
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 14th February 2014


Finian's Rainbow is a bizarre yet delightful piece of theatre. To put it simply, the show is about an Irish immigrant, pursued by a leprechaun, hoping to grow gold in the soil around Fort Knox whilst finding a husband for his daughter. Finian's Rainbow is a show bursting with energy, talent and smiling faces.

Burton Lane and EY Harburg's music is a dream. Even if you are unfamiliar with the score, which includes the classic numbers 'Old Devil Moon', 'If This Isn’t Love' and 'Look to the Rainbow', you will find yourself resisting the temptation to sing-a-long.

The stand out performance comes from Christina Bennington as Sharon. Her rendition of 'How are things in Glocca Morra' cannot be faulted and she carries the piece with her natural stage presence. Anne Odeke also stands out with her smooth and soulful vocal talents.

Thomas Michael Voss' choreography is particularly impressive. The company numbers are quite a spectacle and never feel squashed. Finian's Rainbow's isn't a groundbreaking show, it is fairly forgettable. However, Phil Willmott's production is superb and provides a fun night of theatrical joy and escapism.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Finian's Rainbow runs at the Union Theatre until Saturday 15th March 2014.
Please visit www.uniontheatre.biz for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Scott Rylander

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