Review: Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Pixie Lott at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Breakfast at Tiffany's 
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Tuesday 26th July 2016
★

Adapted from Truman Capote’s classic novella, which was famously turned into a successful film, a new stage adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's has opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Following a six month tour and four weeks of West End previews you would think Breakfast at Tiffany's would by now be a well oiled, fine-tuned piece of theatre. Think again. 

Nikolai Foster's production drags from beginning to end; the piece is clunky and astonishingly feels under-rehearsed. British pop star Pixie Lott follows in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and Anna Friel to take on the role of Holly Golightly. The whole piece is a star vehicle for the actress playing Holly and there is absolutely nowhere to hide. Unfortunately Lott is lacking in acting ability and fails to carry the play. Lott's performance is missing charm whilst her speaking voice is very two dimensional.

Lott sings a couple of songs in the play, her husky rendition of 'Moon River' is nice but sadly not enough to save the piece. Scenes are messy whilst the comedy is very forced, receiving only gentle chuckles from the polite press night audience. Matt Barber is the saving grace; his performance as Fred is charismatic. 

Richard Greenberg's adaptation is drawn out; the running time could be chopped in half. Foster's production doesn't have focus; the audience aren't given the chance to settle down and become swept away by Holly. Matthew Wright's design is impressive for a touring show, but too wobbly for the West End.

Breakfast at Tiffany's isn't the worst show in theatrical history, but the whole thing feels pointless. It's not fun, there's no adventure and it's challenging to get behind the central character. Breakfast at Tiffany's teaches a valuable lesson about stunt casting - there is no point in tailoring a piece of theatre around someone if they don't have the appropriate talent or experience to pull it off. Casting Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard is an example of genius, career defining stunt casting whereas casting Pixie Lott in Breakfast at Tiffany's is the absolute opposite. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Breakfast at Tiffany's runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17th September 2016.

Please visit www.trh.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Sean Ebsworth Barnes