Amour, Charing Cross Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until July 20, 2019


This is a charming musical fable set in post-war France. It is a story of barriers overcome through the super power of love which can transform a shy, nondescript office worker into a superhero. It is also a political allegory about the emergence of France from the darkness of its Nazi occupation. The wonderful choreography of Matt Cole which has suggestions of the black and white films of the silent era marries beautifully to Michel Legrand's score, and the brilliant English lyrics of Jeremy Sams artfully catch the gentle humour and whimsy of the piece. Gary Tushaw stands out in the role of Dusoleil. He brings life to a two-dimensional character in a way that recalls the comic genius of Jacques Tati, and his voice is rich and compelling. Anna O'Byrne is a delightful Isabelle beguiled by a lover who runs through a brick wall. Indeed, all of the cast manage to enter the spirit of this bittersweet confection which has to be played with the lightness of an éclair if the audience is to be seduced into entering this ultimately wistful world. But in the end, the star of the evening is the late Michel Legrand's score. Inspired by all his favourite composers, and there is more than a hint of Offenbach and his opéra bouffe, Michel Legrand has created a musical experience that entrances and delights.

Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until July 20, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed: 2:30 pm, Sat: 3:00 pm
Charing Cross Theatre
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk
Map & Location: The Arches, Villiers St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 6NL, UK

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