The Scarlet Pimpernel
In an era when Musical theatre is being diluted with pop groups cashing in on the ‘lets make a show from my greatest hits’ theme it’s glorious to find that there is still room for turning a good story into a great musical. The 1998 musical adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel by Nan Knighton & Frank Widhorn bears witness to that. And, continuing their quest to bring ‘something different’ to the stage, this, the Barnstormers’ latest production (billed as one of the most demanding shows they have staged to date) fair blew the audience away!
Setting the 16-piece orchestra upstage of the action was a gamble which paid off and full marks to Colin Warnock for making sure we heard every note and word of an excellent score. No less of a challenge was that made of the set and lighting which was as elegant in detail as it was simple in design, requiring only suitable period furniture and props against gloriously washed screens of colour. The pièce de résistance here had to be the ominous spectre of the guillotine literally rising from the floor amidst an explosion of smoke and light. One oversight was the moon being the same colour as Sir Percy’s follow-spot.
Andy Lingfield commanded the stage in an excellent portrayal of Sir Percy, delivering witty and poignant dialogue with expert timing. Of his several guises, only that of Grappin would have been hard pressed to fool even the French. As his estranged wife Margueritte St Just, Kristin Callaway gave a good account with some fine singing, but occasionally lacked the real depth of an exasperated spouse, whilst James Klech, as Chauvellin, almost demonic at times also showed great tenderness especially in Where’s the Girl.
Well worth a mention were the excellent swashbuckling caricatures of The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, terrific in Into the Fire, and a gutsy chorus of suitably garbed citizens/ guests/prisoners (care with muddied faces). Their ensemble pieces were a treat, with well choreographed routines. Just occasionally one thought if only they had a bit more space.
Generally the costumes and wigs throughout were excellent, although the excess of colour in the masqued ball seemed slightly out of place.
Production: THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Presented by: The Barnstormers
Director: Paul Longhurst
Musical Director: Colin Warnock
Choreography: Fran Reynolds
Venue: The Barn Theatre, Oxted, Surrey
Dates: 25th – 30th June 2007
Reviewed by: Peter J Reed (Friday 29th June 2007)
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