The World Goes Around, 4.5 Stars
Stockwell Playhouse
28th March to April 1st 2018
“As the blockbuster Chicago returns to the West End for its 21yr anniversary,
Kander and Ebb are more celebrated than ever. Stuart Saint and the Stockwell
Playhouse revive one of most beloved musical theatre revues, celebrating the
iconic writing tour de force. Breathing new life into the most memorable
material, paying homage to original works and proving that this legendary pair
will always remain relevant as THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND.”
Review by Richard Lambert
The Stockwell Playhouse is fast becoming the place for musical theatre in London. With a large stage and high rig, seating 180, you can see why it’s becoming popular. It’s the perfect venue fitting mid-way between the pub theatre and West End! This latest musical production is undoubtedly their finest yet!
Kander and Ebb are the backbone of so many of our greatest musicals. “Cabaret”, “Fosse”, Chicago”, “The Rink”, “Kiss of the Spider woman”, “Curtains” and “Steel Pier” to name just some of their musical productions. With so much material to choose from “The World Goes Around” included hit after hit of cherished songs.
The set design (Mark Magill) as is so often the case at the Stockwell Playhouse is wonderful! A multi-layered platform on stage with lighting festoons of coloured lights, squirrel filament lamps and an on-stage 5-piece band create an ideal setting for this concert.
Sumptuous multi-colour lighting by Martin Bristow, mesh with pastels in just the right places at just the right time pick out the mood and nuances of the music. And there is a lot to enhance in this musical – very few words, just song after beautiful song. Every song expertly handled.
Stuart Saint has delivered a glorious show with some lovely direction and choreography. All delivered by an extremely versatile cast. Too many brilliant songs to mention, every one a hit, but of course “Colored Lights” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” were stand-out, alongside the many nods to Fosse’s catalogue.
Only a few shows in this short run production so don’t delay in getting tickets. It’s a must-see closing Sunday April 1st. Forget Easter Eggs – this is a better sweet treat!
Music John Kander Lyrics Fred Ebb
Director & Choreographer Stuart Saint
Musical Director Carol Arnopp
Sound & Lighting Martin Bristow
Producers Mark Magill and Stuart Saint
Cast
Daniel Hall
Suzanna Kempner
Katy Baker
Georgina Nicholas
Paul Harwood
THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND
Stockwell Playhouse
208 Wandsworth Road
LONDON SW8 2JU
Wednesday 28 March – Sunday 1 April