Gyles Brandreth: Break A Leg! ★★★ Leicester Square Theatre | April 1 & 2, 2022


Gyles Brandreth is the consummate raconteur. In this show he reflects on aging and on his life in the theatre. He reminisces about the people whom he has admired and those with whom he has worked. This is an evening that traces Brandreth's life from his boyhood and recalls many of the famous people he has known. The stories about various theatrical personalities and his other friends like the late Duke of Edinburgh are very well-honed anecdotes. They are acted out with great energy and articulated with perfect comic emphasis. The show is rather niche, however, as many people who are not in Brandreth's age group may not know some of the celebrities whom he is talking about. Still, even if you don't know who said it or whom it is said about, these are some great bon mots and some very amusing stories. Indeed, if you're not of the right generation, you might also find some of the jokes a bit out of touch with current social attitudes. Despite such quibbles, however, the show is quite perfect for the audience for whom it is intended. There are plenty of clever quips and lots of great old actors referenced. In fact, Gyles Brandreth has confected a thoroughly charming banquet of adroit name-dropping and humourful nostalgia. It's all quite a delightful romp down the West End's memory lane.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.

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When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX, UK

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