Hull New Theatre until 22nd September 2018
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
5*****
The story of Cilla’s early life is perfect for a musical, and perfect sums up the performance I saw last night. Not just in my opinion but that of the packed Hull New Theatre who gave the cast a well-deserved standing ovation.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Cilla tells her story from the end of 1962 when she is a teenager working in a typing pool dreaming of success as a singer to 1967 when she has her first television series on the BBC. Jeff Pope’s writing is very tight and skillful with the action moving swiftly along with dollops of humour and pathos. The set and lighting designers have done an incredible job taking us from The Cavern to The London Palladium via Cilla’s parents flat above the Barbers, I so wanted to be there at The Cavern with them all!
Kara Lily Hayworth is a more than convincing Cilla and has a voice that soared beautifully in all the big numbers. She captured all the ups and downs of Cilla’s attempt to be a pop star so well. As in real life Bobby Willis (Alexander Patmore) was the perfect foil for her moving from pushy to supportive, and I can’t have been the only one with a lump in my throat when their relationship went wrong.
Neil MacDonald added lovely touches of humour as Cilla’s father John White and his attitude towards the boys she brought home was superb.
One of the most touching parts of the performance was Brian Epstein (Andrew Lancel) performing “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”, absolutely heartbreaking. Andrew Lancel’s portrayal of the decline of Brian Epstein was outstanding.
The musicianship was stunning, from the “Beatles”, “Big Three”, “Gerry and the Pacemakers” and “The Mamas and The Papas”. It is always wonderful to see and listen to such skilled musicians.
Like Cilla herself this is a performance that is full of fun and life with a large dash of glamour but somehow still remains down to earth!