The Stage

La Cage Aux Folles

Published Friday 31 October 2008 at 12:25 by Lisa Martland

At the Menier Chocolate Factory in south east London, the creative powers that be appear to have a golden touch when it comes to reinventing classic musicals, La Cage Aux Folles being the latest in a string of productions which have transferred to the West End.

What is fortunate with this switch of venue is that the intimacy of Terry Johnson’s slick and uplifting staging remains intact within the relatively cosy confines of the Playhouse Theatre, as does the camp and colourful atmosphere of the St Tropez nightclub owned by Georges (Denis Lawson) and his transvestite star and long-standing partner Albin (Douglas Hodge).

Amusing farcical situations come thick and fast when Georges’ son Jean-Michel - conceived one confused night at the Paris Lido - announces he is getting married and wants to push Albin to the background, but the underlying message behind the piece - so famously put over in the musical number I Am What I Am - is what ensures La Cage is still a winner more than 20 years after its original Broadway opening.

Lawson and Hodge have a great chemistry, milking the libretto for all the laughs they can get while still maintaining the poignancy behind much of Jerry Herman’s score. Hodge is not only dynamite in drag but proves a true clown and master of comic timing, even adding a touch of Piaf and Dietrich to the title song.

Fine support is also given by an excellent ensemble, not least the charming Stuart Neal as Jean-Michel, Jason Pennycooke who plays butler/maid and would-be performer Jacob, plus Tracie Bennett as hostess with the mostest Jacqueline.

Tim Shortall’s sets and Lynne Page’s choreography really come into their own during big production numbers such as The Best of Times and also provide a showcase for the men of the La Cage chorus, who have legs and dance moves most women would die for.