The Other Palace – until 14 April 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
This brilliantly bitchy and wickedly funny musical is another surefire hit for The Other Palace. Based on Roger Kumble’s arch 1999 film, Kumble, Jordan Ross and Linsey Rosin have created one of the best jukebox musicals yet – the dark stepsister to &Juliet.
Speaking of stepsisters, the manipulative shenanigans of Katherine Merteuil (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) and her stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Daniel Bravo) stay true to the film version, with the coolly cruel pair playing games with the lives of those around them, usually using sex as their weapon of choice. The twisted sexual tension between them comes to a head when Katherine bets Sebastian that he cannot deflower proud virgin Annette, while also ruining the reputation of the innocent Cecile, who unwittingly put herself on Katherine’s hitlist because Katherine’s ex prefers Cecile.
The most quoted lines from the film are all here, delivered with knowingly melodramatic looks to the audience, and head tosses – this is a complete camp fest. The already iconic soundtrack of the movie is expanded with a parade of 90s bangers from Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, TLC and The Spice Girls and many more. The songs pop up at some wonderfully unexpected moments, never distracting from the plot, instead enhancing the story with a manic glee. Gary Lloyd’s pitch perfect nineties inspired choreography is often hilarious – especially when Blaine (Josh Barnett) and closeted jock Greg (Barney Wilkinson) are involved, whether they are making out or fighting.
Polly Sullivan’s set design nods to the uber-privileged surroundings of the teens, with the revolve used to great effect, and Jonathan O’Boyle’s assured direction makes this the slickest show in town. The cast all understand the assignment – not one comedic opportunity is missed. McCaulsky is simply magnificent as the icy Katherine, with vocals that bring the house down, and Bravo is magnetic as Sebastian, oozing arrogance and privilege through every pore. Abbie Budden is strong and sweet as Annette and Rose Galbraith is brilliantly funny as Cecile.
With a recorded message from one of the film’s cast to start the show and a song list to die for, this is a real treat for fans of the film, ramping the vampy campness up to unimaginable levels. But you definitely don’t need to know the film to enjoy this show. Just sit back and strap in for some killer songs and glorious dark and daft laughs.