Gosh, this was fun, with some lovely tunes and witty lyrics. Why isn't this transferring? - addicted to theatre
07 Apr 11
I rather liked this quirky tongue-in-cheek celebration of a peculiarly American tradition, the high school spelling competition.
The composer William Finn has shown promise for a long time, but failed to fulfil it. I remember seeing the first outing of March of the Falsettos zonks ago and thinking ‘he’ll go far’ – but he hasn’t. In truth, the simplistic formulaic music here shows he hasn’t moved on much, which is perhaps the reason. The show’s success has more to do with a terrific idea, the right theatre with a brilliant design, funny lyrics, a production that fizzes and performances bursting with enthusiasm and energy.
Designer Christopher Oram has turned the Donmar into a school gym with a blue and yellow colour scheme that extends to the letters at the end of the rows of special blue seats and the ‘confetti’ which falls from the rafters. Jamie Lloyd’s staging and Ann Yee’s choreography are just as bright and they’ve teased lovely portraits of archetypal kids from Harry Hepple, Iris Roberts, Chris Carswell, David Fynn, Hayley Gallivan and Maria Lawson. Steve Pemberton and Katherine Kingsley are excellent as the adults as is Ako Mitchell as the helper on community service.
Adding four volunteers from the audience as ‘extras’ is an inspired idea and on the night we went, they were so good I wondered if some of them were actually plants. The way their characters are ’invented’ is clever and when one manages to spell a word that was clearly meant to be her exit, it brought the house down.
95 minutes of infectious fun – it won’t change your life, you might struggle to remember it in 10 years, but you probably won’t regret going – and it’s a whole lot better than The Umbrellas of Cherbourg! - Gareth James
29 Mar 11
Lightweight, occasionally funny but not worthy of a place in the Donmar repertoire. - Paul Wallis
21 Mar 11
This rather lightweight piece includes that most dreaded of features - audience participation. Even before you enter the theatre itself cast members mill around in the bar, remaining in character, and four unfortunate victims end up onstage as part of the show. Actually they provide some of the best bits as the script is cleverly adapted to suit them, especially as one managed to spell his word correctly when he was supposed to get it wrong. Equally impressive is Chistopher Oram's design which has transformed the auditorium into a high school gym complete with school chairs in place of the bench seating. The show itself is high energy with plenty of bouncy songs but the main joke that spelling bee contestants are nerds and geeks driven by pushy parents wears thin long before the end of the 95 minutes. I suspect Bill Finn didn't like these kids when he was at school as the characters are thinly drawn and you certainly aren't involved enough to root for any of them to win. Spelling Bee is a bit of fun but looks very insubstantial against Passion or Parade, the Donmar's previous musicals. - David Baxter
17 Mar 11
We loved this show. Witty lyrics, well directed and exemplary performandes from all cast members. I found Hayley Gallivan particulary moving in the role of Olive. Surprisingly there were some empty seats on the night we went (must have read Michael Billlington's unfair two star review in the Guardian) so I would urge you to purchase a ticket before the run ends. - Diane
10 Mar 11
Great fun and quite moving in parts. Much better than the Broadway production. About time the Donmar did something upbeat - I can't remember the last time I left the Donmar with a smile! - Ed
27 Feb 11
Surprised when I entered the auditorium to find a school basketball court and the Donmar's usual benches gone. Excellent cast and a rare musical comedy that made me laugh. Great night out. - Ivor
22 Feb 11
Really entertaining. A real laugh. Catch it at the Donmar, because it won't be the same in a bigger venue. Some great Steve Pemberton ad libs. He was brilliant. - Anthony K
