LITTLE FISH to 21 November.
London.
LITTLE FISH
by Michael John Lachiusa suggested by short stories by Deborah Eisenberg.
Finborough Theatre above Finborough Brasserie 118 Finborough Road SW10 9ED To 21 November 2009.
Tue-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat & Sun 3pm.
Runs 1hr 30min No interval.
TICKETS: 0844 847 1652.
www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Review: Geoff Ambler 30th October.
A little fish finds her voice as the big pond gets smaller.
The hottest theatre in London, possibly the northern hemisphere, always brings its own challenges. Consuming enough fluids while maintaining concentration during the show is occasionally one of them. However the Finborough’s latest musical Little Fish held my attention entirely.
This European premier for one of Broadway's new writers brings a welcome, edgy musical to the stage. The Little Fish is Charlotte, new to New York and fresh from a break up with Robert, an abusive ex-boyfriend, who pops back into her head and onto the stage from time to time to continue his put downs.
Charlotte opens the proceedings by giving up smoking and struggles through the first few weeks before following her friend's advice and taking up swimming at the local Y. It is through this new smoke-free life she begins to discover both herself and several new friends. Working out at the Y also allows the opportunity to see some remarkably well-observed experienced (superior) exercisers and their acerbic, spiteful remarks.
Little Fish is short at just ninety minutes, but filled with fine music. Indeed, a sparkling and vivacious Laura Pitt-Pulford as Kathy sings about being Perfect - and it really is. Julia Worsley is delightful as Charlotte, a recovering ex-girlfriend, insecure, anxious and quite remarkable. Michael Cantwell is brilliant as the terrifically terrible Robert, a little creepy, lacking any redeeming features and hilariously unpleasant to Charlotte.
In Little Fish the Finborough has found itself another great little musical, with a few well-crafted, rounded characters, some seriously enjoyable music and a cast full of delights. Director Adam Lenson has delivered a thoroughly enjoyable New York-flavoured musical. Michael John Lachiusa is continuing his good form, enjoyed in last year’s Ordinary Days also at the Finborough and by the same creative team. He is certainly a name to watch out for.
John Paul: Ashley Campbell.
Robert: Michael Cantwell.
Anne: Katie Foster-Barnes.
Mr Bunder: Nick Holder.
Cinder: Alana Maria.
Kathy: Laura Pitt-Pulford.
Marco: Lee William-Davis.
Charlotte: Julia Worsley.
Director: Adam Lenson.
Designer/Costume: Bec Chippendale.
Lighting: James Smith.
Sound: Sean Ephgrave.
Orchestrations/Musical Director: Richard Bates.
Choreographer: Nick Cunningham.
2009-11-03 00:09:11