Some Girl I Used To Know (UK Tour)
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th February 2014
Not only does actress/presenter/Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Denise Van Outen star in new one-woman show Some Girl I Used To Know, but she has also co-written it with Terry Ronald.
Denise plays Stephanie Canworth in the musical which is set in Stephanie's hotel room. She is away from home (and her unhappy marriage) on a business trip. One Facebook poke from her first love who she hasn't seen for 17 years turns Stephanie's world upside down. After inviting him to her hotel room, Stephanie begins to reminisce about the past and begins to have doubts about the reconciliation.
Denise wrote Some Girl I Used To Know because she felt nobody else was writing for ladies in their late 30s/early 40s. The production provides a very different theatrical experience, whilst watching the show it almost feels as if you've popped round to your best friend’s house for a good natter. Unlike big blockbuster shows such as Wicked, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera, Some Girl I Used To Know doesn't transport the audience to another world or another time - that's not the point. It is real, relatable and relevant. Ten years ago it wouldn’t have made any sense and in ten years’ time it will probably be dated.
Stephanie is a fantastic character; she's strong and funny yet also vulnerable. Whilst watching Denise perform it is so obvious that she also co-wrote the piece as she acts with such understanding of the role. Some Girl I Used To Know is just one hour and forty-five minutes long, including an interval. Scenes do not drag as the mood constantly changes. The second act is stronger than the first as the story becomes far more intense and Stephanie really opens up. As well as timing the comedy spot on, Denise also portrays the more emotional scenes beautifully, finding the right balance between sadness, frustration and anger.
In the absence of a live band, pre-recorded backing tracks are used to accompany the seven musical numbers. Although the title song is the only original number (the others are re-worked songs from the 80s and 90s), the music slots in nicely. There are long scenes between the numbers which bring structure and consistency in style. I'm never a fan of pre-recorded backing tracks; however, in this case the songs have been well orchestrated. It's just a shame the sound wasn't loud enough as the tracks didn't fill the theatre in the same way a live band or orchestra would. When Denise let go and belted out some big notes I wished her mic was turned right up as it would have added so much power and emotion.
Some might say Some Girl I Used To Know is cheeky, some might say there are too many sexual references but I think it's just honest! It is refreshing to see such an empowering musical about a flawed character. Stephanie isn't perfect but she is real. Denise gives a terrific performance; she fights through the piece, living every moment. She doesn't have a stereotypical musical theatre voice, she sings with old-school ease blended with a more modern, ‘poppy’ edge.
For those expecting a huge, spectacular and magical evening at the theatre, Some Girl I Used To Know will probably be a huge disappointment. But if you want to see something simple, enjoy a glass of wine beforehand and escape from your own troubles by hearing about somebody else's for a couple of hours, Some Girl I Used To Know is the perfect show for you. As Some Girl I Used To Know came to an end the lady sat in front of me (who had been laughing her head off throughout the performance) shed a tear, the show has a clear target audience who will love every second. You might even feel as if you've made a new friend.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Some Girl I Used To Know runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Wednesday 19th February and tours the UK until Wednesday 19th March 2014. Please visit www.somegirliusedtoknow.com for further information and tickets.
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