With Sheridan Smith extending her time off from Funny Girl, it really is the year of the understudies, and Natasha J Barnes is no exception to the recent run of impressive cover performances.With this in mind, it’s no easy gig covering for someone so treasured by the public, let alone playing a role made iconic by none other than Barbara Streisand, but Barnes is completely at home on the stage. She is cheeky, ballsy and a genuine joy to watch. The sharp wit and individuality she brings to the role makes Fanny Brice a force to behold and Barnes’ energy fills The Savoy effortlessly. This combination of a fantastically well-written character and a nuanced performance are definitely the main strength of the show.
Whilst there are no weak performances, the rest of the characters seem somewhat underdeveloped in comparison to the complexities of Fanny. Despite this, Darius Campbell plays Fanny’s gambling husband Nicky Arnstein with an elegant subtlety, enhanced by a velvety resonant voice. Joel Campbell also shines as Fanny’s loyal sidekick Eddie Ryan, whose tap dancing solo is a particular treat.
Aside from this, the production provides an enjoyable evening, but not a breath-taking one. Considering The Savoy stage was recently home to Olivier award-winning Gypsy with Imelda Staunton, it’s hard to do better, but Isobel Lennart’s book tells a heart-warming story that places an unlikely leading lady in the spotlight who succeeds based on her comic talent rather than her looks. Jule Styne’s music is uplifting and the voice work throughout is strong. Marilyn Cutts is larger than life as charming Brooklyn-bred Mrs Brice and Barnes’ voice is incredibly powerful and affecting, particularly in popular hit numbers ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ and ‘People’. Campbell and Barnes have established a relationship that is both believable and moving, and their harmonies are gorgeous.
The Australian playwright Tommy Murphy's STRANGERS IN BETWEEN had its British premiere this summer at The King's Head Theatre. Directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, the artistic director of the venue. STRANGERS IN BETWEEN is a beautifully written coming of age play which examines the issues of sexuality in both a funny and moving way.