The World Goes Round (a Kander and Ebb songbook) opened at The Union Theatre this weekend, coincidentally in the same week that the Sondheim retrospective opened at the St James Theatre.
There is something very charming about the intimacy of the Union Theatre. There are no microphones, no elaborate sets and there is no where for anyone to hide.
The simple set of stacked chairs and boxes in the middle of the room, is danced around the stage throughout the show, making the various scenes as they go. Director and designer Kirk Jameson gives a fresh new look to some of Kander and Ebbs best known songs from the likes of Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Flora The Red Menace, Cabaret and of course The World Goes Round. Choreography by Sam Spencer-Lane is wonderful.
Simon Green and Gareth Snook are the stronger of the 5 voices we hear in this show. The girls Lisa Stokke, Emma Francis and Susan Fay all have their individual attributes but also all seem to lack something. Whether it be projection, showmanship or just plain razzle dazzle there is something that feels a little out of place and these are certainly no Liza Minellis or Chita Riveras.
For someone who may not be an avid musical theatre goer, The World Goes Round may be a bit tough to sit through, as the only huge numbers come from Chicago and Cabaret. But a real fan of theatre will enjoy this waltz through some of Kander and Ebbs classic songs.
The World Goes Round plays at The Union Theatre until 8th February 2014. Click here for tickets.
Read my interview with Gareth Snook here
