The Rose and the Ring

Synopsis

A musical adaptation of Thackery's classic fairy tale.

Our Review:

10 December 2001

What better time of the year than this festive season to launch this undoubtedly charming but somewhat anodyne fairytale musical?

Based on a novella by William Makepeace Thackeray - a contemporary of Dickens who is best known for his 1847 novel Vanity Fair (not to be confused with the magazine) - The Rose and the Ring relates the twee but not sufficiently tantalising story of a magic rose and a magic ring whose possession renders that person irresistible to the opposite sex. Thus is set in motion a plot of romantic intrigue and entanglements that sustain two hours of rather slight and predictable theatrical entertainment.

While Peter Morris does a proficient job of illuminating this story through his book and lyrics, Michael Jeffrey's undistinguished score fails to give it any special edge. Mind you, there is nothing specifically wrong with Jeffrey's score - these are serviceable enough storytelling songs - but there's nothing elevati...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 28 December 2001:

I saw The Rose and The Ring at the very fully booked Hen & Chickens last night, feeling lucky to get in-- and afterwards feeling positvely thrilled to have had the chance to see this charmed and charming show. It is that all too rare combination of witty *and* bursting with heart-- elements the astonishingly good cast brought out to virtual perfection. Don't miss the chance to see it!...

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