The Queen of the Mist, Charing Cross Theatre - ★★★★ - Until October 5, 2019


What's the point of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Money? Fame? Ego? In the dawn of the publicity age, a sixty-three year old woman undertook this stunt and lived. Her instant celebrity did not have the results she expected. This is a delightful musical about an unusual subject. The music has echoes of Sondheim and the period recalls the magic of shows like "Barnum" and "Ragtime." There is some very hummable music here and the performances of Trudi Camilleri, Will Arundel and the rest of the talented cast soar. They do a wonderful job of capturing a spirit of defiant adventurism and mixed motives that defined these daredevil events. So, why climb Mount Everest? Perhaps, simply because it is there, or perhaps, because there is something life affirming about doing the impossible or the improbable － a triumphant expression of the human will when for a moment one faces and conquers the death that is ultimately inevitable. Anna's story is worth re-telling and this show wonderfully captures its curiosity, triumph and pathos. Jump in! This water's fine!

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until October 5, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed: 2:30 pm, Sat: 3 pm
Charing Cross Theatre
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Map & Location: The Arches, Villiers St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 6NL, UK

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