BrumHour was invited to see Amélie by The Alexandra.
Please note this post contains affiliate links.
by David Fox twitter.com/DavidFoxTheatre
Amélie at The Alexandra
Directed by Michael Fentiman, book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messé and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé.
Following a successful run in London’s West End, the brand new hit musical Amélie, based on the Oscar nominated 2001 French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet arrives at The Alexandra as part of its UK tour.
Set in Paris in 1997 Amélie is the story of a lonely girl, her troubled upbringing, and her whimsical life as a waitress. She sets out to spread happiness in people lives through random acts of kindness, while pursuing the man of her dreams.
This production stars French-Canadian actor Audrey Brission in the title role of Amélie, and Danny Mac as Nino. Danny Mac is a leading man with many plays and musicals to his credit. He was last seen in Birmingham at the Hippodrome in Cinderella and Sunset Boulevard, and he continues to shine here giving a thoughtful performance. Audrey Brission was perfect as the shy and vulnerable making the character quirky, and well liked.
While both Brission and Mac are superb, class acts, the rest of the ensemble cast also deserve credit – all hugely talented and on stage for the majority of the show, in costume and playing multiple instruments as part of the band.
The music on this show was wonderful, introspective and melancholy at times, whimsical, and humorous at others. Even though the songs were unfamiliar they were joyful, soothing, and uplifting, serving wonderfully to showcase Amélie’s flights of fancy and fantasy. I loved the whole Parisian sound of piano, accordion, violin, flute and cello.
Set in August of 1997 Amélie recalled the tragic events of the death of Princess Diana, serving as a melancholy and nostalgic reminder. There was clever use of puppets to show Amélie’s childhood, and more during a hilarious song with a garden gnome! There was also an appearance from ‘Elton John’ with performer Caolan McCarthy mimicking his look, sound and style.
The set itself is a visual treat, beautifully evoking a Parisian summer, the Metro, and the cafes of Montmartre – the romance of Paris perfect for a summer’s evening. The cast made clever use of pianos, photo-booths, and a novel way of Amélie using a light as a lift to her bedroom.
Even though it is hugely popular and was nominated for five Oscars I have not seen movie Amélie the Musical so came to the story and characters fresh and with no expectations. I did not know what to expect but was hooked and smiling from the beginning when the accordion payer began, and left the theatre entertained and full of joie de vivre! Overall Amélie was joyful, quirky and at times surreal – all in all a wonderful summer musical!
Catch it at The Alexandra while you can, and you won’t be disappointed. Simply beautiful.
Amélie is at The Alexandra theatre until Saturday 27th July. Book tickets with BrumHour’s affiliate link >> HERE <<.
Tour Dates continue at:
Manchester Opera House 6th to 10th August: Book tickets with BrumHour’s affiliate link >> HERE <<.
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre 12th to 17th August: bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/whats-on/amelie-2019
Glasgow King’s Theatre 19th to 24th August: Book tickets with BrumHour’s affiliate link >> HERE <<.
Further tour dates can be found here: ameliethemusical.com/tour-dates
This isn’t a sponsored post.
When not writing for #BrumHour, David Fox spends his time wondering when Checkov is back on the midlands stage or is that Chekov?
