Gypsy ★★★★★ The Mill at Sonning | May 24 - Jul 15, 2023


A classic musical with unforgettable songs gets a first-rate production! You don't need a gimmick when you're working with the wonderful material of Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, and this revival respects their show and simply aims to do it well. In that regard, it pulls out all the stops and succeeds brilliantly. Joseph Pitcher's direction and choreography is pitch perfect, and the action never stops. We just bounce along from one great number to the next. The singing and dancing are terrific and the energy is electrifying. Despite the rather dark nature of the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and her relationship with her formidable stage mother, Rose, this is a show that is meant to dazzle and it does. All of the cast bring their A-game to the production and the time flies by. Rebecca Thornhill as the driven and obsessive Rose belts out her show stopping numbers and commands the stage whenever she's on it. Evelyn Hoskins' transformation from playing the front end of a cow to being a determined, self-assured burlesque star rings completely true and is definitely the most nuanced portrayal of the evening. Both Marina Tavolieri as the pampered June and Daniel Crowder as the patient and self-effacing Herbie put in equally strong performances, and also noteworthy is Charlie Waddell's turn as Tulsa. His debonair dance number is a showstopper. The new extended stage works well, and Jason Denvir's set and Nic Farman's lighting design are excellent. All of this, plus an excellent meal, makes this Gypsy at The Mill at Sonning the perfect summer theatre fare.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Andreas Lambis.

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When, Where, Getting there:
  • May 24 - Jul 15, 2023
  • Wed - Sat: 8:15 pm. Restaurant open and serving dinner from 6:15 pm - 8 pm
  • Thu (from June 15), Sat, Sun (from June 4): 2:15 pm. Restaurant open and serving lunch from 12:15 pm - 2 pm
  • The Mill at Sonning
  • Nearest station: Reading
  • https://millatsonning.com/shows/gypsy/
Map & Location: The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK

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