Riverside Studios – until 25 November 2023
Reviewed by Ben Jolly
3***
Opening at Riverside Studios last night, Flowers for Mrs Harris tells the tale of widowed working-class cleaner, Ada Harris, who after falling head over heels in love with her employer’s Dior dress vows that for the first time in her life she will do something for herself and somehow, someway, buy her very own couture Dior. Based on the 1958 novel Mrs ‘Arris Goes to Paris by American author Paul Gallico, this musical adaptation first came to light at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield before a revival in Chichester in 2018.
With too much focus on exposition and a distinct lack of action, this fish-out-of-water musical neither soars nor lands from a dramatic perspective. Historically, the musical theatre industry has enjoyed many successes using novels as source material. It worked well (to say the least) for Wicked, Phantom, Les Misérables… so what got lost in translation for Mrs Harris? In this case, the material has been vastly glossed over to allow room for the insertion of music which unfortunately does not elevate or stir emotion, nor does it steer the narrative. There isn’t a single line of melody that sinks in as the whole evening is plagued with songs that are composed purely of recitative. The book and lyrics have been overly simplified leaving us with two dimensional caricatures and stock stereotypes who are left without any real antagonist to play against. Furthermore, any form of conflict is resolved and wrapped up before it has even transpired.
The saving grace for this production is the cast. Lead by Olivier Award-winner, Jenna Russell who as always has expertly constructed a wonderfully rounded, present and nuanced character in the shape of Ada Harris. She is brilliantly supported by Annie Wensak who embodies the role of best friend Violet. Wensak’s performance is reminiscent of an East End Hilda Ogden and she finds the humour and playfulness in each moment she has to shine. Kelly Price, doubling in the roles of Lady Dant and Madame Colbert brings a fresh (and much needed) boost of energy with every scene; her choices are direct, bold and she hits each comedic beat with keen precision.
This is the third outing of Flowers for Mrs Harris in under ten years and it makes one ponder what it is that warrants the multiple return visits to the stage? With such a thin plot and weak direction, this production should be aided with some high-level production values which, alas, we have also been denied. This was especially clear when finally arriving in Paris at the top of Act 2, we are greeted with a montage sequence to showcase the latest season of Dior’s dresses. What could have been a real “wow-factor” moment ended in a cringe-worthy and painful watch as awkward models staggered down the wobbling staircase, parading creased costumes that looked like they were paid for in full with Mrs Harris’ weekly milk stout budget. Sacré bleu!