La Cage aux Folles [The Play] - Park Theatre - ★★★★ - Until March 21, 2020


Comb out the big hair wig and fling on the boa! La Cage aux Folles is back. In fact, as a play in English, it's here for the first time. Everyone probably knows and loves the movies and the musical, but this new translation marks the premiere for the play in London. While keeping all the fun of the other versions and the feel of 1970's Saint Tropez, director, Jez Bond, and translator, Simon Callow have made sure both the humour and style work for a contemporary audience. The basic theme of French farce from Molière to Feydeau has been the exposure of hypocrisy, and La Cage takes its place in that tradition skewering homophobic, right-wing politicians, who now seem to be on the rise again. The show also explores some of the prejudicial attitudes about campness in a way that make the play as relevant now as when it was written. Paul Hunter as Albin brings just the right blend of hysteria and battered dignity to his role, whilst Michael Matus is excellent as harried hubby, Georges, driven to distraction by his diva partner and by his son's demands to accommodate the bigoted future in-laws. As he alternately simmers and bellows, he comes to embrace his truth and reject the trap of conformity and compromise. The production succeeds because the rest of the cast are equally strong and manage to achieve the challenging manic pace required for successful delivery of a farce. Syrus Lowe is a delightful Jacob and Louise Bangay is a terrifying Madame Priedieu. Want to bring some laughter, glitter and glam into your life? Enjoy a night at La Cage aux Folles!

 Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Mark Douet.
 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until March 21, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm
Thu & Sat: 3:00 pm
Park Theatre
Nearest tube: Finsbury Park
https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/la-cage-aux-folles-the-play
Map & Location: Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, UK

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