Fabulous musical by Christchurch
FEATHER boas, a dancing cow and one woman who falls apart as she grafts tirelessly to make her child a star. Christchurch Theatre Club took to the stage on Monday (May 1) with its production of Gypsy - and it completely blew me away.
Based on the memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical was, quite simply, fabulous.
Directed by John Lewin, Christchurch’s production sees Liz Berrisford head a talented cast as Momma Rose - and her portrayal of the archetypal stage mother is worthy of the West End.
From the moment Liz swept onto the Loughborough Town Hall stage with her adorable four-legged companion Chow Mein, she was the star of the show.
The tale, which follows Momma Rose as she travels around America with her daughters and their Vaudeville act, sees the mother slowly unravel as she desperately tries to make her girls famous.
Liz’s acting was impeccable and her final scene on stage as a broken mother deserved the roar of applause it received from the audience.
Lucy Maden takes the role as daughter Louise – who becomes the world famous strip- per - and showcases her beautiful vocals in Little Lamb, If Momma Was Married and Together Wherever We Go.
Lucy excellently turns her character from wallflower into confidence- exuding performer and during her transformation she encounters striptease artists Mazeppa (Anita Benson), Electra (Aimee Chilton) and Tessie (Eve Taylor).
The trio’s hysterical performance of You Gotta Get a Gimmick was possibly the highlight of the show for this reviewer.
Lee Costelow, who plays Herbie, and Anja Palmer, who stars as June, both have to be credited as well for their strong performances.
And props to the children who opened the show - not only were they extremely cute, they were extremely talented and just as professional as the adult performers.
For me, Christchurch’s Gypsy was a real hit and ticked all the right boxes. It was staged beautifully, choreographed great and the cast were flawless.
The audience’s standing ovation was well deserved.
Gypsy will be at Loughborough Town Hall until Saturday, May 6.