Ye Olde Rose and Crown, Walthamstow 6 – 31 October. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Tim McArthur’s take on A Little Night Music is a sheer delight. The simple, artful staging and swirling choreography draw you into complex love lives immediately with a partner swapping Night Waltz, and the ever present motif of autumn leaves creates a feeling of fading and lost dreams.
The plot revolves around the complex relationships of Desiree, who once had an affair with Frederick and wishes to rekindle their flame. Unfortunately she has a lover, Count Magnus, who says he will tolerate infidelity in his wife, not his lover. Frederick is married to an 18 year old, Anne – still a virgin after nearly a year of marriage – and the secret object of his son’s affections. Things come to a head during a weekend in the country at Desiree’s mother’s mansion, and lives are changed forever.
As Frederick, Alexander McMorran is fantastic, especially in his scenes with Sarah Waddell (Desiree) and Samuel Baker as the Count. The easy playfulness between McMorran and Waddell is in stark contrast to his frustrated longing when with his wife. Waddell resembles Katherine Hepburn both physically and in her comic style, and her Send in the Clowns is well judged and feels emotionally honest. Maria Coyne’s Anne is skittish and insecure, with a laugh that becomes extremely annoying, but suits the character perfectly.
The standout comic moments all involve the Count’s wife Charlotte (Jamie Birkett). Sardonic and desperately in love – and hate – with her husband, Charlotte gets the best lines, and Birkett delivers them brilliantly. A lifted eyebrow, a grimace, and perfect deadpan comic timing make her a joy to watch.
The entire cast are superb, with their voices matching their comic acting abilities. Everyone managed the tricky lyrics without stumbling. Although I must admit I did get distracted every so often by the facial expressions of Desiree’s acting troupe as they watched the other characters – imagine the lovechild of Kenneth Williams and Windsor Davies. Just breathe and relax!
The band – with only 4 musicians – were wonderful and did not drown out the cast in the tiny performance area, showcasing the lyrical beauty of the score and book.