New Wimbledon Theatre, London – until 14 April. Reviewed by Nicky Wyatt
4****
Transported back to the golden era of film for this production. A story which encompasses feelings of passion, power, desperation, love and sadness.
Joe Gillis (Danny Mac) is an average writer, scratching around for his next job. He looks the part, even talks the part but no one is giving him the part. After knocking on doors and narrowly evading the debt collectors he heads off in his car, which happens to break down outside this old mansion. Knocking the door for some assistance he is mistaken for an undertaker and invited inside. It soon becomes clear that the mansion is in fact the home of silver screen star Norma Desmond (Ria Jones) who lives there with her ex husband who is now her butler Max Von Meyerling (Adam Pearce)
Not only is Max her butler but also her protector, biggest fan and fixer, he sorts everything for her. He is a man with an amazing voice and a huge presence on stage with the ability to produce some great one liners.
The untimely breakdown of Joe’s car leads him on a path he hadn’t expected, when Norma asks him to rewrite her own film. The film that she believes will relaunch her back to the No 1 status on the big screen. The reality is that both he and Max know it’s not the big hit she thinks it will be. However the offer of regular pay helps Joe overlook this and he moves in , initially into the spare room but eventually he stays with Norma.
Norma the quite sad delusional star of yesteryear that just can’t let go of the past. Is also clever in a controlling way, flattering the much younger Joe with gifts she keeps him at home working and living with her. Meanwhile he is missing the buzz of his old life and still hankers after it. Meeting up with old friend Artie (Dougie Carter) and his fiance Betty ( Molly Lynch) sparks a new trail for him, when Betty wants to rework one of his scripts . He agrees and leaves her to it . Their working relationship develops into a more personal relationship which Joe decides to pursue with devastating consequences.
I felt this to he quite a sad story but this exceptional cast tell it so well with an amazing energy. The cleverly designed set which shows how grand it once was is moved by the cast and crew effortlessly. Everyone on the stage hit every note in every song and they were led by the brilliant orchestra and musical director Adrian Kirk. Rapturous applause throughout and a well deserved standing ovation at the end.