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An unmissable, heartfelt masterpiece — Frank's Closet dazzles with charm, wit, and stellar performances in the perfect setting of Wilton's Music Hall.Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
This is my second visit to Frank’s Closet. My last review was in March at the Union Theatre, and my, how it’s grown. Now in the glorious setting of Wilton’s Music Hall, this show has become bigger, better, and slicker.
The storyline harmonises beautifully with the venue, and the inclusion of the ghostly figure of The Sailor, played by the sublime Paul Toulson, is enchanting. In the show’s previous incarnation, he played Sheila Blige, a drag queen who entertained the audience in the bar with a few bawdy numbers. In this production, Toulson captivates the audience with his mellifluous, melancholic tones. The Sailor is an echo of the Music Hall itself and of gay men trying to connect in a time when it was forbidden. His performance creates the perfect backdrop for the tale of Frank and his Closet.
Once again, we meet Andy Moss as Frank, preparing to marry his great love, Alan. (I still appreciate the name check!) He is struggling to take this next step, facing a change of address and identity – the roots of which lie in his experience as a closeted gay man. Many LGBTQ+ people will empathise with Frank’s story. Moss’ performance is assured, heartfelt, and his vocals exude both warmth and strength. To be frank, he is superb. But he is not alone; he has his imaginary family, the Gaiety Girls: played by the vocally and physically flexible Patrick Cook, Tayla Watson-Braithwaite, Daniel Walford, and Olivia McBride (the only actor to return to this role). Each Gaiety Girl has a distinct personality, but they morph seamlessly into other characters from Frank’s past. They also contend with Jo McShane‘s energetic choreography, making it look effortless – outstanding!
The biggest chameleon of them all is the astonishing vocal powerhouse Luke Farrugia, who returns as The Diva. As Frank packs away his collection of frocks, they evoke the spirit of the divas who once wore them, and Farrugia embodies every one of them. These are not impersonations, but there are recognisable flickers of these doyennes of the past in every movement, facial expression, and turn of phrase. Farrugia’s performance is further enhanced by wonderful costumes, make-up, and Stuart Wood‘s remarkable songs. The Diva’s songs perfectly match the character, yet they are original, with a different purpose. These are not just songs—they are calls for love, equality, and acceptance—and for Frank, a deeper self-acceptance.
Everything about this production has been polished and elevated. The sets, designed by Catherine Phelps, are larger, and Ruth Varela’s production design feels perfectly at home on the Wilton’s Music Hall stage. Previously, there were issues with sound balance between performers and the band, but Edward Lewis’ sound design has rectified this. A larger venue has allowed for enlarged performances and a bigger band under the musical direction of Anto Buckley, and they do not disappoint.
Frank’s Closet, first commissioned in 2009 and revived after a lockdown discovery, has now transformed into an unmissable show in a perfect venue! It may be ‘stuck together with starlight and glue,’ but I believe this show deserves wider recognition, awards, and, dare I say it, a much longer run!
Book, music and lyrics by: Stuart Wood
Directed by: Sasha Regan
Musical direction by: Anto Buckley
Music played by: Anto Buckley, Sam Balchin, Peter Crocker, Ikechukwu Onwuuagbu and JT Taylor
Choreography by: Jo McShane
Lighting design by: Joseph Ed Thomas
Sound design by: Edward Lewis
Production design by: Ruth Varela
Set design by: Catherine Phelps
Head of Wadrobe and Wigs: David Furnell
Original make-up design by: Sue Mann
Presented by: Ladbon MacLeod Barnes and the Union Theatre
Frank’s Closet plays at Wilton’s Music Hall until 14 September. Further information and bookings available here.
