Alvaro's Balcony

Synopsis

1928. The world is enthralled by Constance Nielsen, an American debutante who marries into one of Europe’s ancient Royal Families, and in doing so single-handedly puts the tiny Alpine principality of Centoluci on the map. Soon though she realises that her marriage is a loveless arrangement of state convenience, and as an impassioned affair with her music teacher threatens to spark uproar, news of her tragic death turns her from living legend into timeless icon. 44 years later, her famous jewels resurface and a woman claiming to be Princess Constance emerges, very much alive, with a priceless story to tell...

Latest User Review

rds - 12 October 2008:

I wish I could be as effusive as Gareth as I too love the Landor, but unfortunately I can't on this offering. It's a new musical, but watching it I was reminded of a comment made by one NYC critic on the 1959 opening of Noel Coward's Sail Away - "Mr Coward has written the hit show of....1936", and this show ain't no Sail Away! It's self concious, clunky and corny beyond belief and the writers have been at it since 1997! The direction doesn't help either. The cast for the most part seem to be in a perpetual daze broken occaisionally by a manic dance number. As for Alvaro I couldn't quite work out whether he had a Scotish or Irish accent and if so why? Princess Constance did a lot of sweet girlie poses - a sort of 1920's Pricess Di, but simply failed to convince. Musical numbers are so unmemorable, I cannot recal a single note. (OK! some say that about Mr Sondheim, but this show is NO Sondheim!) It's a pity as the cast includes the lovely Andrew C Wadsworth, unfortunately for him just out of another bummer - Marguerite. Still, having said all that I take my hat off to Robert McWhir for trying out new material even if it doesn't always work. He is one of the few production houses in London willing to take the risk and on occaision hitting the bullseye with Follies and I Love You Because - the winner of last years WOS Best Fringe show. So keep up the originality, but perhaps be a bit more selective with the material? ...

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