The Stage

Sunset Boulevard

Published Tuesday 16 December 2008 at 17:05 by Matthew Hemley

Sunset Boulevard returns to the West End stage following a gap of 15 years in a stunning production by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood that strips the show of lavish production values and a traditional pit orchestra.

Instead, a cast of 13 playing their own instruments perform their way through the score and make use of a minimal set - where a chaise longue can become both a car and, turned length ways, the exterior of a drug store.

The result is a thoroughly impressive, entertaining and moving ensemble piece that draws the audience in to the story of silent movie star Norma Desmond, played to perfection in a triumphant performance by Kathryn Evans, and her infatuation with a young writer called Joe Gillis, played by Ben Goddard. Goddard is perfect as the down on his luck writer who seizes an opportunity to enjoy a more lavish lifestyle in the world of Desmond, regularly finding the humour and wit in the book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton,

But it is Revel Horwood’s tight direction and staging, and his use of actors doubling up as musicians, that steals the show here. Each cast member is equally strong performing a character as they are playing a number of instruments, creating a sound that is rich and full, thanks largely to the clever musical arrangements of Sarah Travis.

The show is an ensemble piece through and through and proof that musicals do not need to be bathed in expensive production values to engage, fascinate and delight. This is a show that truly deserves its place on the West End stage and the standing ovation it received.