Mill at Sonning comes up roses with much-loved Broadway musical Gypsy

Gypsy, at The Mill at Sonning, until July 15, review by DEREK ANSELL

The first word I would use to describe this production is slick. After that, fast paced, visually impressive and colourful.

With a new large apron stage effect and a composite set that managed, with good lighting, to indicate a frame house kitchen (drab), a vaudeville theatre stage with bright lighting all round, a burlesque house and a railroad platform all creating the right mood.

Everything ran like clockwork. One scene faded into another and the last actors on stage had moved the furniture and props and put in new stuff before you realised it had changed.

The show was well over two hours in length so it needed the smooth, snappy pace to get everything in. That was down to director Joseph Pitcher, who kept everything moving and was also choreographer, responsible for the lively, complex dance routines.

There were also many changes of bright, colourful costumes too, so many that they had to loan some from Newbury’s Watermill theatre.

The Gypsy Rose Lee story is an Ugly-Duckling-type tale. Young Louise is constantly pushed into the background to highlight the stage talent of her younger sister June. The only trouble is, June doesn’t have much talent and it shows.

When June finally leaves her mother’s pushy attempts to make her a star, it is left to little quiet and mousy Louise to step into the spotlight in the unlikely role of a professional stripper. When she does, watch out for Evelyn Hoskins’ impressive, slow but, oh so effective transformation.

This story needs three powerful performances and certainly delivered them. From Rebecca Thornhill as the assertive, determined mother, the actor delivered splendidly. Next Louise, later Gypsy Rose and finally Marina Tavolieri, who did well as the overrated and selfish June. There was also a brilliant display by a very little girl playing young June. One of several tiny actors alternating.

The very large cast all played a big part in the success of this production, some actors taking on additional duties as instrumentalists.

Tim Maxwell- Clarke played grumpy grandad with spirt and was no mean performer on clarinet and alto saxophone as well. There was even Chowsie the dog, who behaved impeccably on stage.

Gypsy is often cited by critics as one of the best, most loved musicals in Broadway history. This was a spectacular production about Gypsy Rose Lee, the woman who in real life became famous as a stripper who never removed much clothing at all.