Reader Reviews
Gigi (Open Air Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Saw this show on Thursday last and what a great set of performances from the "old uns" a la Millicent martin, Linda Thorson and Topol. They were great and transformed a rather dated show into a entertaining evening.Wasn't so sure about Lisa O'Hare still very mary Poppins. Gaston was definately too much like A A Gill for my liking. Fun though - Stuart | 01 Sep 08 |
| Well, yes, Topol was a bit shaky and did fluff more than once, but you know what It didn't matter. He looked good and with that marvelous baritone voice one would have to be extremely mean not to forgive him. Milli Martin was as engaging as ever and Linda Thorson looked fastastic as a sort of kindly Cruella Deville! And the songs! How can one resist "The Night They Invented Champagne" or "I Remember it Well" or even, and who would dream of writing such a number today, "Thank Heaven for Little Girls"! Imaginatively staged, it looks terrific and has fabulous cossies too. Friday night was one of the warmest of the year and NO rain! So we sat contented in that echanting atmosphere of the Open Air and enjoyed this light hearted piece of escapisim before returning to the reality today of Alsidair Darling telling us why we are in for hard times to come - well thanks a lot mate! Bloody dour Scot. Don't blame us for your f**kups! You know what, I think I'll try and get another ticket for Gigi again tonight -I need the fix! - rds | 30 Aug 08 |
| The cast are excellent,well Lisa O Hare ,Linda Thorson and the Ensemble. Topol annoyed the heck out of me with his fluffled lines and really is past his best and should accept it and retire while he has some dignity left. All in all though Gigi is a poor musical on this occasion saved slightly but the lovely Miss O Hare but after 2 hrs 15 mins I am none the wiser as to what the heck it was all about! - Andrew | 26 Aug 08 |
| I came from germany, only to see our german Musical-Hero Thomas Borchert (as Gaston) on his first engagement on Londonīs Westend... and what should i say: heīs brilliant - but i also expected nothing else. Now i saw GIGI 8 times. I love Thomas. He is a wonderful Gaston, he and Lisa together on stage - itīs really amazing! But nevertheless, i wait longingly for the day, he come back to germany... ;-))). I miss him here on stage... Lovely Greetings from Hamburg. - Ina | 25 Aug 08 |
| Absolutely loved it. The courtesan theme was. I think, handled very well. Lisa O'Hare is very good in the role. She has an absolutely sweet voice, moves beautifully, and was convincing in the serious parts. The chemistry between her and the Gaston character was very well conveyed by both of them. Very impressed with Milly Martin and Linda Thorsen. Agree that Topol seem a little hesitant but he made no fluffs, sang well and got lots of laughs. Actually preferred him to Maurice in the film - less pervy. The costumes, particularly Gigi's, were beautiful and the sets and set changes most inventive. The theatre was more packed than we have ever seen it and there was that buzz when we left that tells you people have enjoyed themselves. Altogether a lovely evening at a super venue - they have even improved the loos. Hope we will be able to see it again. - jandonaldson | 16 Aug 08 |
| Great Cast, wonderful music and what a treat to see the legend Topol !!! - Rose colored glasses | 15 Aug 08 |
| Regent's Park Open Air Theatre does sparkly, colourful musicals very well. This year, alas, the piece was ponderous - principally due to a disappointing performance by Topo as Monsieur Honore. I thought him static and wondered on occasions if he had forgotten his lines, so slow was his delivery. I also agree with the earlier reviewer that the piece has little resonance for Londoners in 2008. Nevertheless the beach scenes, the staging, costumes and choreography were a delight and I went home happily singing 'Gigi' and 'sank heaven' in my finest French accent. - Alex Reeve | 11 Aug 08 |
| Having booked tickets for a preview by mistake it is probably unfair to be too critical of Gigi at this early stage. For his first musical at the Open Air Timothy Sheader has assembled a big-name cast including in Topol a genuine musical legend. At this stage the pace seems uncertain as do some of the performances but the biggest problem is the show itself. Despite Sheader's claim that Gigi is satirical the highly chauvinistic attitudes and grooming of Gigi at 16 to be a courtesan feels very uncomfortable in 2008. Fortunately at the heart of the show is a delightful performance from Lisa O'Hare as Gigi. Convincing as a gawky innocent she transorms into a beautiful young woman although her rejection of Gaston could have done with more bite. Gigi is stylishly presented and fits the Open Air perfectly but I'm not convinced it deserves a revival. - David Baxter | 07 Aug 08 |
