Achilles in Heels. To 25 November.
London.
ACHILLES IN HEELS
by Mark Bunyan.
Landor Theatre, 70, Landor Road SW9 9PH.
Tue-Sat 7:30 Mat 19 Nov 3pm.
Runs 2hrs One interval.
TICKETS: 020 7737 7276.
info@landortheatre.co.uk
Review: Geoff Ambler 8 November 2006.
More laughs than you would expect in Greek tragedy.
Musicals based on Greek classical mythology are surprisingly few and far between when you consider the wealth of improbable myths available, ripe for a decent librettist and composer. Achilles in Heels is based, unsurprisingly, on the life of Achilles during his pre-Trojan War period, focusing on his lesser-known adventures growing up as a daughter of Lycomedes and sister to the two princesses, Thea and Diodeima.
I have no doubt that it is the cast's eagerness to entertain, occasionally campishly, that kept me smiling. Sarah Applewood’s Diodeima stands out among the ten strong cast, adeptly capturing the humour and naïve love her role requires and sparkling vivaciously throughout; Nathan Kiley plays Achilles with tremendous feminine gusto, wig and heels and Ian Dring as his tutor Phoenix, always manages to be memorable and doesn’t disappoint.
The Landor Theatre's tiny stage was at times was barely big enough for the entire cast, especially during the Greek taverna dancing, but it is its proximity to the audience and having the cast almost on your lap which keeps you attentive and involved.
Improbable as it may sound the show is more entertaining than it should be. With an enthusiastic and talented cast, adroitly handling this intimate venue and the, at times, too clever book and lyrics, they earnestly attempt to make up for the lack of decent music arrangements or even just a good tune. Towards the end of the show, particularly during the denouement, a lot of the humour will pass you by, especially if you haven’t spent time immersed in the classics.
As a musical it needs lots more work; it’s not quite camp enough for camp farce, however it doesn’t take itself too seriously and the accomplished cast entertain, keeping the humour simmering along.
Achilles: Nathan Kiley.
Diodeima: Sarah Applewood.
Thea: Joanna Hickman.
Phoenix: Ian Dring.
Zeno: Jonathan Eio.
Odysseus: Paul L Martin.
Thetis: Adele Anderson.
Patroclus: Errol Clayton.
Lycomedes: Stephen Guilfoyle.
Eurymachus: Willia Hazell.
Directed: Robert McWhir.
Lighting: Martin Terry.
Musical Director: Heather Weir.
Rap Choreography: Emma Kelly.
Original Costume: Jayne Pooles Easton.
2006-11-12 11:43:47