Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Union Theatre - ★★★★ - Until October 26, 2019


Can a big Broadway musical work in a small space? It certainly does in this terrific production at The Union Theatre. All the energy and big production numbers are here! Anita Loos' wonderfully silly story of the archetypal gold digger, Lorelei Lee, and her friend, Dorothy Shaw, is beautifully re-told in a way that is faithful to the original. We were delighted that the period of the piece was respected, and songs like "Keeping Cool with Coolidge" and all its 1920's references were not spoiled by updating. Indeed, this is a production that captures the era and is unapologetically light and fun. As the girls flirt their way to Europe and take Paris by storm the great one-liners fly and the unforgettable songs, like "Just a Kiss Apart" keep on coming. Overall, the large cast is excellent with the perfect timing required to bring off a good farce. For us the stand out was Eleanor Lakin as Dorothy. She did a great job in the superb production number "I Love What I'm Doing." Abigayle Honeywill delivered a fine "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend," but her 'American accent' sometimes made her lines difficult to understand. Freddie King as Henry Spofford and Aaron Bannister-Davies as Gus Esmond Jr. were spot on. However for us, the ultimate star of the evening was the work of choreographer, Zak Nemorin and the dancers. They completely captured the spirit of the era and the genre. This production got it just right – as light as a soufflé and just as yummy!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until October 26, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat & Sun: 2:30 pm
The Union Theatre
Nearest tube: Southwark
http://www.uniontheatre.biz/gentlemen-prefer-blondes.html
Map & Location: 229 Union St, London SE1 0LR, UK

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