York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 20th May 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Northern Broadsides, in collaboration with New Vic, are once again treading the boards at York Theatre Royal. Under the direction of Laurie Sansom, Quality Street, a regency comedy written by JM Barrie, is playing until Saturday 20th May. The original Quality Street was written in 1901, before his most famous work, Peter Pan, was released. If anyone mentions Quality Street, we automatically think of the brightly coloured chocolate. In our house they came out in abundance every Christmas, in their purple tins. It may be surprising to know that these chocolates were named after the play.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Quality Street tells the story of two sisters Phoebe (Paula Lane) and Susan (Louisa-May Parker) Throssel, where the former is expecting an offer of marriage from the dashing Valentine Brown (Aron Julius). Unfortunately, his exciting news doesn’t involve a ring, but a commitment to King and country, he has enlisted to fight in the Napoleonic Wars. After a failed investment, made on Valentine’s recommendation, the sister have set up a school to make ends meet.
Ten years later Captain Brown returns to find Phoebe older, the curls gone, time has not been kind to her. She is heartbroken at his reaction, realise that she has been hiding from herself whilst he has been away. Due to some confusion she later introduced to Valentine by the maid Patty (Gilly Tompkins) as her niece Livvy, young and pretty, with ringlets and more than a passing resemblance to her aunt. Things soon get out of hand with the flirty Miss Livvy, before Valentine realises who he truly loves.
This is not the only story. Our first introduction is to a bunch of retired chocolate factory workers, played by the actors of the main play, inspired by the workers from the Halifax Mackintosh factory, discussing their lives and excited by the prospect of helping out with the production. Their inclusion came about after being invited to rehearsals and asked for comments. Their observations we so insightful and funny that it was decided to include them in the final play. I did find this a bit odd at first but as the show unfolded it added to the experience.
Some of the costumes were amazing. The colourful gowns worn at the balls were shiny, bright and in the colours of the famous sweets, purple, orange, you get the idea. Military uniforms, just look at pictures from the old tins. The music and choreography were a delight, with some modern touches.
I thought that it got off to a slow start, but that soon changed, especially after the interval. It was wonderfully acted by a diverse and talented cast. Lane as Phoebe, got to showcase her talent as the world-weary Phoebe and the spirited Livvy, complete with “out there” dance moves. She shared some great comedic timing with Parker as her sister Susan, especially as things start to unravel. Tompkins also created some great laughs with just her appearance on stage. It was lovely to hear the fabulous Yorkshire accent, even though I am not an original, there was even some scouse, courtesy of Julius. It is always great to hear some different accents from around the country.
I must say that this romantic comedy has some really splendid moments. None more so than the scene with Brown removing an ill “Livvy” from her aunt’s house, in order to deceive the noisy neighbours, the Willoughby’s. It was hilarious. I was laughing so much I had tears of laughter streaming down my face. I believe that is the first time that has happened to me whilst seeing a live show. Brilliant!
A sparkling mix of colours, shapes, and flavours, with romance and fun throw in. A show to lift your spirits.