Reader Reviews
Beautiful and Damned (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Although an enjoyable evening, this show felt like a work still in development. The slow start with narrators who looked uncomfortable (Domenick Allen and Patti Boulaye) didn't help. Economies with the set also didn't help. However, things improved when Helen Anker and John Barrowman, both excellent, got into their stride, with songs that moved the story on, good choreography and some truly funny moments added to by the comic timing of Jo Gibb. Dominick Allen had his moments when playing jazz clarinet to great effect but Patti Boulaye was disappointing vocally and her storyline was not developed. The ensemble were engergetic and danced well but suffered from some obvious too quick changes, especially with wigs. This is a show which has real potential and hopefully the backing will be found to continue to develop it for the West End. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.17.154) | 30 Jun 03 |
| The main problem with the show is that it is too long - just on 3 hours, so they could tweak bits of it - get rid of patti boylae's number with the tap dancing gorillas - it does not advance the plot line any. Also tighten up the book, so that dominick allen and patti boylae dont spend half of the show standing on stage doing nothing, and looking uncomfortable. There also needs to be work done on the look the set and costumes were obviously charity shop buys in places.However there are three main reasons why this show works - a) the songs b) Helen Anker c) John Barrowman - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 20 Jun 03 |
