⭐⭐⭐⭐
4th June 2019
Review by Shaun Tossell
It has taken 17 years for Amour to make the journey from Broadway to London but has it been worth the wait?
The UK debut professional production of Amour, from famed French composer Michel Legrand (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), finds a home at the intimate Charing Cross theater. The theatre has been transformed into a evocative Parisian street, which sets the scene for this whimsical, romantic tale.
Amour tells the story of Dusoleil, a lonely office clerk (Gary Tushaw) who through a twist of fate, gains the ability to walk through walls. He begins to use his new found ability to lead a double life, becoming a Robin Hood figure, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. He also gains the confidence to pursue the object of his affection, the unhappily married Isabelle (Anna O’Byrne), who is intrigued by the news stories about the mysterious criminal who can walk through walls.
Gary Tushaw gives a wonderfully earnest performance as our main hero contrasting with the beautiful Anna O’Byrne giving an understated quality to Isabelle. Claire Machin steals the show with her cheeky performance as the Whore, never missing a beat when singing the delightfully witty songs. The lyrics of which, have double entendres galore and left me grinning throughout the show. The leads are ably assisted by a brilliant ensemble who each add their own comic charms to the show, with some lovely singing voices also.
Amour is a charming blend of whimsy and romance, with some gorgeous and funny songs to boot. Don’t miss a chance to see this unique gem before it closes.
Tickets – https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/amour
Cast – Gary Tushaw (Ragtime) as Dusoleil, Anna O’Byrne (The Woman In White) as Isabelle and Alasdair Harvey (Sunday In The Park With George) as the Prosecutor, alongside Elissa Churchill (Elephant Steps), Claire Machin (Memphis), Keith Ramsay (The Cereal Cafe), Jack Reitman (Thrill Me), Steven Serlin (The Wild Party) and Alistair So (The King And I), with understudy Laura Barnard.
Creatives – Director Hannah Chissick, Choreographer Matt Cole, Production Designer Adrian Gee, Lighting Designer Rob Halliday, Sound Designer Andrew Johnson, Musical Director Jordan Li-Smith, Producer & Casting Director Danielle Tarento
