The From Page To Stage Festival celebrates new musical theatre writing by up and coming writers and is currently being staged at Clapham’s Landor Theatre.
Just two days before Before The Night Is Through opened, actress Abigail Jaye had to pull out of the show due to unforeseen circumstances. Writer Olivia Thompson stepped in at the last moment to play the role of Verona DuVall.
November 1935. Honey Quenelle, England’s biggest movie star is hosting a lavish party to celebrate her birthday, at her remote home on Lost Crow Island. The champagne is chilling, the glamorous guests are ready for an unforgettable evening and reliable butler, Hugo is on hand to make sure the evening goes without a hitch. But when catering fails to arrive, news filters through of an escaped inmate at Beningford asylum, and Gaylord, the gerbil escapes from the soup tureen, events take a nasty turn. Who is about to meet their maker? Who cannot escape from their past? And who will be brave enough to sample Mabel’s devilled prunes before the night is through….
Amelia Adams-Pearce is the star of the show as Honey Quenelle, with truly believable acting and a great voice. Jenny Gayner plays the quivering wreck Farmonica perfectly and her eloquent accent makes her nothing but loveable. Kate Brennan as Mabel is the thread of comedy continuity throughout the show that seems to keep the story together.
Before The Night Is Through is a nice piece of comedy escapism and is helped by great casting choices. Catch it at the Landor until Sunday and help support new musical theatre writing.
Book and lyrics: Olivia Thompson
Music and Musical Director: Chris Whitehead
Director: Rob McWhir
Choreographer: Cressida Carre