Stephen Sondheim Old Friends - Sondheim / TV / Gielgud

It would hardly be fair on the rest of the paying audience if I was fleeing the auditorium a minute or two into the Sweeney Todd section though, would it? And yes, that has happened to me before, at a school (non-musical) Sweeney Todd performance.

Saw the matinee this afternoon and WOW. The level of talent on that stage is unbelievable - both from the bigger stars and the smaller ensemble roles from new debuts.

The show itself is very much a concert, but with varying levels of costume, props and set pieces (the Sweeney Todd section was perhaps the most staged bit, compared to others which range from a bit of set, a staircase, or are just on a bare stage with a chair or two)

Bernadette Peters is probably the weakest in terms of voice (which can be forgiven as she is 75), but her stage presence makes up for it (her Send In The Clowns was brilliant). Lea Salonga did blow her out of the water with her voice. I have to disagree with the negative comments about Bonnie Langford, she wasn’t overly mugging and her I’m Still Here was a standout (also high-kicking and doing the splits!)

Gavin Lee will always be my favourite and he was hilarious in all of his numbers, he’s such a brilliant performer I’ll go and see any show he does here!

So over her kicking her leg behind her ear. When she is on a stage surrounded by such classy performers like these- she just looks tacky.

Everyone I know who has seen it so far has raved about Lea, Bradley, jac and yes Bonnie too.

Why does Bernadette have to be thrown under the bus? No one on that stage has more business to be there than her, and no one on that stage (or indeed around the world including Judi Dench) could do a better job at Send in the Clowns. At 75, Bernadette has an unusual and unique voice still not generic musical theatre. So regardless of if it sounds a little aged, I don’t think it’s as simple even as saying better or not when the comparison is of a different league.

Wouldn’t say minor, unlike Richard Dempsey, or Harry Apps who might be an offstage swing/cover? didn’t see Harry at all. Damian has at least one duet and a number of group songs and when he does have solo lines he’s really quite good!

My expectation at Friday night's show was that a compilation of Sondheim's greatest hits performed by the West End and Broadway All-Stars would at best be passably entertaining. And that's how it felt for the first twenty minutes or so. Sung out of context from the original material, songs did not pack their full emotional punch.

But then something changed. I can't explain fully what. Bernadette Peters came on for Send in the Clowns. Sure she may no longer have the vocal power of a younger singer, but she was pitch perfect, and seeing how expressive she was, up close from the front row, was heartbreaking. From that point, I was fully converted; the show became magical.

The overriding impression was of an ensemble who are without exception all absolute masters of their craft. It was such a privilege to be able to witness so many on one bill, all faultless. Their ability to sell those lyrics to the audience --and what lyrics! -- was truly mesmerising. Every little nuance, every look, every expression, the way they moved, the way they gelled together, was sensational.

I do not share the criticism of Bonnie Langford. Her I'm Still Here was as good as the best I've seen, and went down a storm.

Let's not forget the musicians: utterly sublime! And the sound quality (as heard from front stalls) could not have been better, a treat for the ears.

The simple staging, with orchestra raised to the rear, was beautifully lit.

The souvenir programme is expensive at £12 and its song list fails to indicate which musical each song is from and who performs it. You are expected to know and to remember.

Some of the audience clearly wanted to make the show all about them, drawing attention by whooping ridiculously, sometimes mid-song and particularly whenever Bernadette Peters appeared. I managed to not let that irritation detract from a night that is a must for any musical theatre fan.

Five stars.

Act 1: 19:32-20:38
Act 2: 21:00-22:05

Claire Burt

Has there been any announcements about any of the cast having holidays/shows off? I will probably try and see a midweek matinee but worried about missing someone!

yes, they use the two lateral set pieces from Les Miz even at the Gielgud