GIELGUD THEATRE

After reading about the film the Umbrellas of Cherbourg, I was unsure of what exactly to expect, and this musical certainly lived up to, and indeed exceeded my expectations.

This quirky, chicque, funny and very cheeky new musical is magnifique! Behind the story being told, the best parts lie in the littlest details - and they've thought of them all. The sound of seagulls welcomes you to your seat, and some of the supporting cast are already in character as their very French, Sailor counter parts helping the audience to settle into their new surroundings.

The film is a 1964 musical set in the French seaside town of Cherbourg. It's set around a simple umbrella shop owned by Madame Emery, who works with her daughter Genevieve. As the show opens we meet Maitresse, played by internationally renowned cabaret artist Meow Meow, the guide for the evening, as she addresses the audience and seduces us with sassy and quite hilarious French lessons!

Designer, Lez Brotherston has done an amazing job creating a beautifully designed set, with exceptional lighting. We are introduced to the town in miniature, as Maitresse and the sailors meander through the cobbled street, really setting the scene. It is from here that we are transported, through vibrant and colourful song, to the Umbrella shop, to meet Madame Emery (Joanna Riding) and her daughter Genevieve (Carly Bawden).

Genevieve is a 16 year old girl, with amour on her mind. We discover that she is in love with the handsome mechanic, Guy Foucher (Andrew Durand). The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a tale about first love and Genevieve's struggle for independence from her mother as she strives for her approval, and the reticence of her mother to see her grow up. Before the struggle between Genevieve and her mother is resolved, Guy is sent away to war, leaving a now pregnant Genevieve behind.

As the story becomes more complex, we see Genevieve having to choose between her first love and father of her child, and a secure and settled diamond seller, Rolland Casaard (Dominic Marsh). The acting in this production is first class, with the supporting cast a part of every scene.

I was particularly impressed with the constant movement and changes of the set. So seamless is it, that you often find yourself no longer noticing how things change or how some of the actors move! The song sung in French by Maitresse, 'Sans Toi' from the film Cleo de 5 a 7 was a highlight. Throughout she is represented as a care free comedienne. During this surprisingly emotional number the audience is given a glimpse of a different side of Maitresse's character, tying her into the story nicely.

Andre Durand gives an excellent performance particularly in the scenes after Guy's return from war as we see the inevitable change of his character from the carefree boy in love, to a heartbroken and jaded man. The show touches on some emotional adult themes, but a good sprinkling of humour adds that needed lighter touch.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg had the audience laughing throughout, involved in parts, and had a fantastic nostalgia and familiarity to it.

My only criticism would be that the scene where Guy and Genevieve make love for the first time was unnecessarily blatant.

Overall I very much enjoyed my trip to the singing port of Cherbourg! An excellent musical with great atmosphere, stunning sets, great acting and a few surprises!

Audience
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is suitable for everyone except for children under the age of 8. There is no bad language or violence in this production; however it does contain some adult content.

Theatre

The Gielgud is a beautiful theatre with a very regal feel to it. I had an excellent view from my dress circle seat for most of the performance, however being high up I did miss Meow Meow's venture off stage into the stalls below.