Thoroughly Modern Millie

Published Friday 11 March 2005 at 15:30 by James Green

For a musical set in the roaring twenties’ speakeasy era, this new production could hardly be thoroughly modern. But it is certainly thoroughly entertaining.

After an Oscar-winning film, six Broadway Tony Awards and four West End Olivier nominations, now with a cast of 25 and ten-piece orchestra, it is setting off on a first-ever national UK tour.

The evidence is clear on stage that money has been lavished on costumes, quality sets and tightly choreographed dance routines. With that kind of attention, and given the reputation of the piece, there are unlikely to be any headaches for the backers.

All of the principal performers are strong, ye the stand-out has to be Donna Steele as Kansas girl Millie, alone and seeking to make it in New York. She’s gauche and angular - all arms and legs - with a sparky tom boy personality and million dollar eyes. She’s equal to the songs, jazzy dances and comedy moments.

Lesley Joseph turns herself into Mrs Meers, Chinese owner of a seedy hotel and hilariously fractures the English language, in between selling off out-of-town orphans to the sex trade of Asia. One of the showstoppers is when she and two Chinese boys sing Mammy in Chinese.

As a nightclub queen Grace Kennedy belts out her two big ballads with conviction and ease and is rewarded with cabaret-style applause. Otherwise she isn’t prominent.

Richard Reynard as Millie’s friend has plenty of action as a song-and-dance man and Andrew Kennedy, Millie’s young office boss, sings his heart out while seeking romance.

Other compliments are due to Robyn North as Dorothy and Nicola Blackman as the eccentric office harridan.