Ghost Quartet, Boulevard Theatre - ★★★★ - Until January 4, 2020


The delightful new Boulevard Theatre is a wonderful addition to the London theatre scene. It is a beautifully appointed and intimate venue that is just right for this amazing production that falls somewhere between musical theatre and performance art. Dave Malloy's song cycle is a truly unique experience. It is a non-linear narrative with more than a nod to Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" and Stephen King. The audience is taken into a complex world that spans four generations with four interconnected stories of death, horror and ghosts. The structure is based on the concept album and the audience finds itself trying to put together some very dark stories that involve love, betrayal, murder and magic. And our quest for meaning is mirrored by that of the characters who are also trying to piece together their lives. The multiple generations of sisters, children, parents, and lovers are played by an incredibly multi-talented cast. Maimuna Memon and Carly Bawden are equally haunting although they bring quite different energies to their roles. Niccolò Curradi and Zubin Varla completely capture the spirits (whiskey pun) of this haunting show. All four are extremely accomplished musicians and the a cappella moments are masterful. Even for those who do not like audience involvement theatre, it is done with a sense of fun and respect here, and it completely works in this context making the ordinary and eerie collide. The Boulevard Theatre is a welcome addition to the London theatrical neighbourhood, and this inaugural production brings their new and exciting vision to life!

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until January 4, 2020
Mon - Sat: 6:30 pm, Thu & Sat: 2:30 pm
Boulevard Theatre
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road
https://boulevardtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ghost-quartet/

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