Mayflower, Southampton – until 24 June 2017. Reviewed Sharon MacDonald-Armitage
The stage of Southampton’s Mayflower gave an appearance reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge as the audience walked into the auditorium for a revival of Harvey Fierstein’s La Cage aux Folles. With a sumptuous but equally gaudy set of red and gold there is a real feeling of ‘campness’ in the air and quite rightly so as this is a musical love story set in present day France. It tells the story of Georges (Adrian Zmed) and Albin (John Partridge) a gay couple whose relationship has to be hidden away from their prim and prospective in-laws.
The pairing of Zmed and Partridge seems a little unusual, but there is a genuine connection between them which makes their relationship believable and heart-warming. Albin’s transvestite, night club singing, alter-ego Zsa Zsa however steals the show. With legs that go on forever and an ability to walk and dance in heels that many women envy, Partridge is made for this role, his attitude, sass and ability to engage directly to the audience are among the many highlights. Partridge demonstrated his tremendous vocals and the ability to hold a note for what seems like an eternity. It is his interpretation of the well-known gay anthem I Am What I Am that shows his talent interpreting a song; heart wrenching and powerful. Zmed is also no slouch with his vocals and his Song on the Sand is charming.
There is something glorious with the set and costumes and who could expect anything less with this production that screams out over the top everything. Gary McCann has come up trumps with an amazing smorgasbord of sequins and feathers something any girl or drag queen would die for. The costumes reflect Zsa Zsa’s outrageousness but this does not mean the ensemble dancers are left wanting. The vibrant red can-can dresses are only slightly upstaged by a peacock outfit that is outstanding in its lushness.
Samson Ajewole as butler turned aspiring house maid is hilarious in his delivery of lines and his attitude. From his yellow footman’s outfit which pales into insignificance when he rocks up in his housemaids dress and apron to his sequined gown Ajewole is an actor to keep an eye open for in the future. It is particularly nice to see him perform alongside well-established musical theatre royalty Marti Webb as Jaqueline.
La Cage aux Folles is a luxurious piece of theatre full of laughs and poignant moments and George and Albin represent what life should be about: family, friends, tolerance and forgiveness, something that is often overlooked in today’s busy world.
This whole production is camp, glorious and divine and one that will bring a smile to your face.