Review: The Return of the Soldier at the Jermyn Street Theatre

The Return of the Soldier 
Jermyn Street Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 4th September 2014
★★★★

Anyone who says, "They don't make musicals any more like they used to" needs to book tickets to see The Return of the Soldier by Tim Sanders and Charles Miller. 

Based on Rebecca West's 1918 novel, the show tells the story of Captain Christopher Baldry who returns from World War I with shell shock, unable to remember the last ten years of his life. Consequently he can't even remember his wife and instead thinks he loves Margaret Grey who in now remarried - not the most straightforward of situations, but the perfect story to create an interesting piece of theatre.

Miller's score has a timeless sound with varied influences. Dare I mention there are even occasional glimmers of Lord Lloyd Webber and, the God of musical theatre, Mr Sondheim. The piece isn't yet polished, but perfect casting allows it to flow. Stewart Clarke is unrecognisable in the lead role. His vocals are incredible whilst he acts the part well, showcasing tremendous versatility! Stand out performances also come from the two loves of Christopher's life - Zoe Rainey (Kitty Baldry) and Laura Pitt-Pulford (Margaret Grey). Neither put a foot wrong.

Interview: Zoe Rainey

Zoe Rainey is currently starring as Kitty Baldry in the world premiere of Tim Sanders and Charles Miller's intimate new chamber musical The Return of the Soldier. 

The production runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre between Tuesday 2nd and Saturday 20th September 2014. Directed by Charlotte Westenra, The Return of the Soldier is based on Rebecca West's celebrated 1918 novel. 

Zoe’s first major theatrical role came when she was cast as Amber Von Tussle in the West End production of Hairspray (Shaftesbury). She went on to star as Nessarose in Wicked (Apollo Victoria) whilst understudying Glinda. Zoe’s West End credits also include: understudy Laura Fairlie in Woman in White (Palace Theatre) and Beth March in Little Women in concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). 

Her extensive theatre credits include: Moira McFlaherty in The Famished Land (Greenwood), Hannah Ferguson in John Ferguson (Finborough), Hitchy Koo girl in Oh What A Lovely War (Theatre Royal, Stratford East), Finding Neverland (Leicester Curve), School For Scandal (Theatre Royal Bath), She Stoops To Conquer (National), Imelda in The Commitments (Workshop), understudy Gigi in Gigi (Regent's Park), Maria in The Sound Of Music (Larnaca Festival), Monteen in Parade (Donmar Warehouse), understudy Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (UK Tour) and Jekyll and Hyde (UK Tour).

I recently spoke to Zoe about The Return of the Soldier’s tremendous story, what it’s like working alongside such a stellar cast and why she had a ball coming and going by bubble in Wicked… 

I’m so intrigued by The Return of the Soldier! What were your first impressions when the part came up?

I actually had no knowledge of the book or film which is quite surprising as it’s a well-known story! When I first got the script through and started exploring it I thought it was fantastic that there is a story to do with World War I that has the views of the women and how it all impacted on them. There are three very, very strong female characters and it’s all about what impact Chris coming home has on them. They were left at home to keep things going while waiting for any sign of life – letters, a telegraph saying the worst, or someone appearing on their doorstep. After doing Oh What A Lovely War and finding out what it was like for the men in the trenches, to go and discover what it was like for the woman living at home was a major draw!

Casting announced for The Return of the Soldier

Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Tim Sanders and Charles Miller's  intimate new chamber musical The Return of the Soldier. The production runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre between Tuesday 2nd and Saturday 20th September 2014.

Stewart Clarke (pictured right) will star as Captain Christopher Baldry alongside Zoe Rainey as Kitty Baldry, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Margaret Grey, Michael Matus as William Grey/Dr Gilbert Anderson and Charlie Langham as Jenny Baldry.

Directed by Charlotte Westenra, The Return of the Soldier is based on Rebecca West's celebrated 1918 novel. This intensely bittersweet tale dissects the very different love of three women for Captain Christopher Baldry.