Accolade - Review

Theatre Royal, Windsor

****

Written by Emlyn Williams

Directed by Sean Mathias

Honeysuckle Weeks and Ayden Callaghan

A fusion of chauvinism, corruption, compromise and complicity, Accolade is an intriguing piece of period British drama from 75 years ago.

Ayden Callaghan plays Will Trenting, an acclaimed writer whose knighthood has just been announced. We learn early on however that Trenting frequents suburban orgies, and is drawn to sexual promiscuity like a moth to a flame. Honeysuckle Weeks is his wife Rona, another complex character who is aware of her husband's conduct. To say much more of the narrative would be to spoil, save for the arrival of Narinder Samra as Daker who it transpires is in a position to expose Trenting's conduct, some of which has been criminal.

Emlyn Williams's script is a pastiche of an observation of England's class system - almost like a diluted Pygmalion - and there is fine work across the company, notably from Jamie Hogarth as the Trentings's butler/driver, Sara Crowe as Rona's friend Marian and Gavin Fowler and Sarah Twomey as the roguish Harold and Phyllis. For the most part the dialogue sparkles, but seen from our more cynical 21st-century perspective, Williams' ending is perhaps a little flawed.

Sean Mathias has coaxed well nuanced interpretations from his company and Julie Godfrey's set and costume designs are a glorious tribute to 1950. Shortly to tour England's southern counties, Accolade makes for an evening of charming provocative theatre.

Runs until 15th June and then on tour 

Photo credit: Jack Merriman

The Bodyguard - The Musical - Review

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

****

Based on the Warner Bros film

Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan

Book by Alexander Dinelaris

Directed by Thea Sharrock

Melody Thornton and the company of The Bodyguard

Having conquered London’s West End 10 years ago, Alexander Dinelaris’s production of The Bodyguard returns to the UK with a nationwide tour, arriving at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre and playing to a packed house on this, its fifth location on the road. 

With a wonderfully hokum narrative hung around Whitney Houston’s most famous hits, it follows the story of fictional singer Rachel Marron who has recently hired a bodyguard following threats from a stalker. You can expect drama, romance, emotion and of course, Houston’s 80s and 90s classics we all know and love.

Six years on from playing the lead role on tour in China, Melody Thornton reprises her role as Rachel Marron, alongside Ayden Callaghan as bodyguard Frank Farmer. An incredibly demanding sing, Thornton delivers exceptional vocals throughout, particularly in the climactic One Moment in Time and finale I Will Always Love You, giving Whitney's recordings a run for their money! Callaghan’s performance was stoical, with hints of humour along the way, playing the role of dependable yet emotionless bodyguard very well.

Particular mention must go to Emily-Mae Walker playing the role of Marron’s sister, Nikki. Her vocals were breathtaking and effortless - a pleasure to listen to. Hers and Thornton’s duet of Run To You towards the end of act one captured the audience with its stunning harmonies. Walker and Thornton were joined by Iesa Miller, playing Rachel’s son, Fletcher, in a heart-warming trio rendition of Jesus Loves Me. Miller delivered an impressive performance for such a young age, with believable acting and fantastic vocals and dancing.

The first half's plot is sometimes slow, but act two picks up the pace, full of suspense with a few jump-scares resulting in screams and subsequent laughs from the audience. The whole performance is impressive, with pyrotechnics, brilliant ensemble choreography, a dazzling wardrobe and a couple of stand-out vocal powerhouses - it has something for everyone with the encore of I Wanna Dance With Somebody getting all of the audience on their feet to dance away with the cast.

Playing at the Churchill until Saturday 20th May and then touring until the end of the year, audiences will love this show that will certainly leave them wanting to dance with somebody!

Runs until 20th May and then tours

Reviewed by Sophie Kale