London Palladium – until 4th February 2025
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Ashley Jana and Will Nunziata have woven a familiar tale of youthful yearning, innocence and betrayal. You can give your full attention to the lyrics and phenomenal, well seasoned voices of the cast as they draw you in to the story. There are reflections of Phantom with a smattering of Les Mis as the leading lady gives away her innocence and gains maturity.
Cayleigh Capaldi (Sienna) brings the house down with her soprano notes at the height of her characters delusion, portraying a naivety that allows Figaro (Jon Robyns) to have complete control. Capaldi gives an outstanding performance, easily switching from naïve to ‘wiser for the experience’. Jon Robyns commands the stage with a strong physical performance and a baritone that gives you evil undertones and eventually desperation in the storytelling.
Lucia (Aimie Atkinson) reminds you of Nancy in Oliver. Once enthralled like Sienna, now a seasoned and weary muse of Figaro. Atkinson has depth in her tone that tells a million stories. Ava Brennan (Gia) is the most natural performer on the stage, with an warmth in her voice to compliment Capaldi. Alongside the children Cian Eagle-Service (Gianni) and Sophia Goodman (Amelia) you have an insight into the makeshift family that is often the makeup of travelling shows. Only this one has a more sinister under current. The children bring a different dimension to the show, including their awesome vocals.
The stripped back set gives the creative team a challenge to produce different atmospheres and settings, which is well accomplished. This is a show that has the potential for a much larger stage.
A coming-of-age story that offers pure escapism as the cast immerses you into the delicious songbook.