The Union Theatre, Southwark – until 30th March 2024
Reviewed by Phil Brown
5*****
Now that’s what I call entertainment!
Drop what you’re doing and hightail it to the capital’s current capital of camp to catch this gloriously retro performance before it disappears for another decade or so. It really is that good.
The fact that the Union Theatre is located in railway arches just off Blackfriars Road singularly fails to do justice to the compact but atmospheric performance space and lively bar attached, where, even before the official performance began, we were treated to a boisterous and hilarious promenade cameo by the glamorous Sheila Blige (played by Paul Toulson channelling Lily Savage). This set the tone for the evening to come. Sheila and some of the cast (the fabulous Gaiety Girls) returned during the interval to add further fun to an already fun packed performance.
Frank’s Closet, conceived and brilliantly written by Stuart Wood, is a wonderful invention, rich in comedy, that premiered in 2009 with a couple of sell out runs at Hoxton Hall. On the evidence of this performance, the mystery is that it’s taken so long to get back into production. It is aptly described as a cult hit musical, and we must thank the producers (Karim-Pasha Ladbon and Stephen Barnes) for making it happen.
The story, told in the Victorian music hall style, features Frank (superbly played by Andy Moss), on the eve of his wedding to Alan (played by the phenomenally versatile Luke Farrugia) who we only ever see briefly in the final scene.
But Alan wants Frank to clear his closet before the happy event, prompting Frank to reflect deeply on his past, which is that of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality and coming out as gay, as well as his nervousness about the marriage itself. It turns out that the eponymous closet is full of rare frocks acquired from some of the greatest Divas of our time, and each one triggers a memory or thought that is crystallised in a song performed by the Diva who wore it.
There are seven frocks in the closet and thus seven versions of the Diva sharing views with Frank – Marie Lloyd, Julie Andrews, Ethel Merman, Karen Carpenter, Judy Garland, Agnetha Faltskog, and Dusty Springfield. Each Diva enters the stage via the “Diva Portal” (Dragon Smoke Construction), extravagantly and gorgeously costumed (Steven Metcalfe & Indie Rivers) to sing and influence Frank. These cleverly written pastiches are properly humorous and tuneful, and in a sensational display of performing talents, the prodigiously gifted Luke Farrugia plays each starlet to dazzling effect. A great piece of casting (Adam Braham) and a truly fabulous performance.
Frank and the Divas are wonderfully supported throughout by the fabulous Gaiety Girls – Alice Plate (Oliver Bradley-Taylor) Daisy Dares (Sarah Freer), Carrie Poppers (Olivia McBride) and Gertie Snipe (Jack Rose) who not only introduce and help close the show, but continue to sing and dance their hearts out throughout.
And behind the main cast is some very accomplished music (a mix of live and recorded instruments) excellently orchestrated and performed by musical director Anto Buckley who I presume took piano duties, along with Peter Crocker (trombone) and Sam Balchin (trumpet).
Everything about this production is spectacularly good (Director – Sasha Regan, Production Designer – Catherine Phelps, Lighting Designer – Ben Bull. Musical Director – Anto Buckley, Casting Director – Adam Braham). The experienced cast bring a pleasing, natural flow to the show and the timing is spot on throughout. The stage set is delightful Victoriana. The costumery is sumptuous and splendid. The songs are high class. The choreography (Joe McShane) is fun and neat. The humour is laugh out loud funny. I also love the quirky programme. My only comment would be the slightly slow start to Act 2, especially after the Gaiety Girls have warmed up the audience during the interval.
To describe Frank’s Closet as a thoroughly professional performance somehow detracts from its impact. It is a very professional performance, but it has an energy and a fun factor that makes it top quality entertainment and leaves a lasting impression as well as a broad smile on your face. A triumph!