Reader Reviews
Funny Girl (Minerva Theatre, Chichester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I agree with the other 5 * reviews here a terrific production which worked really well in the much smaller space of the Minerva. Samantha Spiro stole the show with a bravura turn as Fanny Brice and Mark Umbers was suitably dashing as Nick Arnstein. The rest of the cast did a great job. If I had one critiscism it was spreading some of the smaller roles around too much but then production costs no doubt dictated that. Funny Girl made up for the unexceptional The Cherry Orchard in the afternoon and helped to take the sting out of the long drive back to London afterwards. Don't miss it! - rds | 31 May 08 |
| A wonderfully warm, totally cohesive anf near fualtlessly executed production. Bravo to all involved both on stage and off. The orchestra really excell with the music and the cast of 18 fill the stage and bring this piece to life as nothing i have seen since The National's Production of A Little Night Music. The entire cast work well together, especially Sheila Steafel as Mrs Brice and Myra Sands as Mrs Stakosh a wonderful pairing. Samanta Spiro took hold of Fanny and wrestled her from the clutchs of Ms. Streisand to present us with a much more believeable 3d character. The on-stage frisson between her and Mark Umbers was so well played out that one felt as i one was eves dropping on a pair of lovers. This production should transfer to London - somewhere like Trafalgar Studios or the Donmar to maintain the magical intimacy of the production. A wonderful day out and a production that has eclipsed the film version of this wonderful musical. BJH - Barry Honeycombe | 19 May 08 |
| Does Samantha Spiro have a sore throat? I saw her last night and was surprised at how weak her voice was after all the great reviews. Also she isn't funny and instead just mugs at the audience. There's no power in her performance and I didn't feel any empathy for her character. Also the costumes looked really cheap and none seemed to fit her properly. On a plus note the two guys playing Nick and Eddie were great and it was lovely to see Sheila Stefal again - where has she been? - DavidMM | 18 May 08 |
| This is a sublime joy of a production. all are to be congratulated, the Director knows his job and all the cast are top notch. Best production I have seen for at least a year. Would do well in a small intimate london theatre for a season, it deserves a showing there, much better than lots in London at the moment. Well worth my trip from Bristol!. Wll done all concerned. - robin | 17 May 08 |
| If I could award 7 stars to this musical I would. This was my first visit to Chichester and I was stunned by this production and in particular Samantha Spiro as Fanny Brice who acts and sings her heart out. Of course the whole cast are excellent in all their roles and what a line up of talented chorus girls too. Must also mention Mark Umber as Nick and Sebastien Torkia as Eddie who both are a joy to watch. This is a must see musical and deserves a wider audience touring and ultimately a well deserved run in the West End. - I.L.S | 15 May 08 |
| The best thing for ages anywhere. Every aspect of the production blew me away. Samantha Spiro has come home as Fanny Brice - jeremy baker | 13 May 08 |
