Great revival of one of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's best show's. (Sunset Boulevard)

Member Name: Kevin_C

Product:	Sunset Boulevard
Date:	15/01/09 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Actors play instruments, great music, great singing

Disadvantages: Pricey

Based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film, this musical version has songs by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Don Black. Recently transferring from The Watermill Theatre, Newbury this version has one unique selling point - the cast are also the musicians. It's also maybe worth a mention that the show was directed by the Srtictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood.

First of all, I strongly disagree with the last reviewer and I think this is one of ALW's best scores - and certainly his best post 1990 score. Particular favourites among the musical numbers include "With One Look" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye".

Secondly, onto this production. All the cast I thought were terrific and instruments and actors blended perfectly - this was particularly notable in the ensemble performances like "Let's Have Lunch". There are only 13 in the cast and some slight doubling up of roles, but it's pretty easy still to know who's who. Again, the business and 'buzz' of being inside paramount I think is conveyed quite nicely - the small cast not detracting in the slightest. It proves you don't need masses of people to make it work.

The stage is cleverly designed with a piano doubling up as a pipe organ and as Joe's writing desk. There's also a cleverly disguised drum kit.

Katherine Evans plays Norma very well - although she doesn't get a chance to play instruments live on stage. I was also very impressed by Ben Goddard's (playing Joe) rendition of the title song, which was also brilliantly orchestrated. He also spends a bit of time on the piano. All the other cast were great as well and I can't really fault any of them. Laura Pitt-Pulford, who plays Betty also apparently made her west-end début in this, so well done to her.

I have a few minor gripes including the entrance music for act two being too similar to the overture and a verse cut from Norma's "final scene". "As If We Never Said Goodbye" is beautifully performed, but you don't quite get the atmosphere - the theatre is normally completely dark with just the single spotlight on Norma. With this production the lights aren't dimmed and the ensemble/ orchestra are a bit of a destraction.

My only major problem is the ticket price at £54, but even these were at £60+ originally.

If you want to go check out tkts in the middle Leicester Square which sell half price tickets on the day of the performance. Also note, these are official, but are the only official ticketing booth in London. If buying them off the internet I believe the official website is now selling some for around £30 as well - which is well worth the ticket price.

The programme was £3 and contains cast bios, background info. on the show and production, but disappointingly no photos. Also what's not mentioned is what instruments each character plays which would have been nice. Overall though it's a decent programme for £3 and provides an interesting read.


The novelty of it would wear off if every production was done in this style - but it really helps highlight and refresh the odd show.

Summary: Worth seeing if you can get tickets for around £30