A fabulous rendition of Sondheim to share with company, and an outstanding immersive event.Rating
Unmissable!
When an immersive theatre space is created really well, it can transform an evening from simply watching an excellent production into an exciting event attended with friends. I was thrilled to attend Bobby’s 35th birthday party in Company at the Bridewell Theatre alongside a sold out room of Sedos Theatre Company and Sondheim fans.
This production has an amazing set! From the moment you enter the theatre you see bunting and handwritten birthday wishes from Bobby’s friends. The audience traverse a maze of apartment hallways with partygoers chatting and drinking, until they eventually reach Bobby’s house, decorated with personal photos, posters, full island unit and fridge, and sofas for the spectators to sit on. It feels like the audience really has stepped into Bobby’s apartment to celebrate with him, with Sedos utilising the theatre space in an innovative and exciting way. I particularly enjoyed the eating and drinking of real food and drink throughout the show; Bobby snacking on cucumber batons and cupcakes helps to build the immersive environment and bring his world to life. The use of real Polaroid pictures is also a unique and engaging (if somewhat expensive!) element of props.
This production of Company has a cast of 14 who each bring their own personality and characterisation to the roles. The vocals are excellent all round and the ensemble harmonies blend brilliantly as they sing a fantastic repertoire of songs (thank you Sondheim!). Stand out numbers include ‘Drive a Person Crazy’ performed by the trio of Charlotte Field, Adrianna Cordero-Marino, and Yasmin Devlin-Dean, as April, Marta and Kathy respectively, who are all hilarious and have an entertaining stage presence together. ‘Not Getting Married Today’, the infamous patter song that provides very few moments for the performer to breath, is a stunning performance from all three singers involved. It offers intimate vocals from Adam Hargreaves as Paul, lovely soaring soprano notes from Amy Foden Lloyd as the officiant, and exceptional acting through song and vocals from Anna Toogood playing Amy.
Will Garrood as Bobby delivers a commanding and reliable performance, almost never leaving the stage. His rendition of ‘Being Alive’ is especially powerful, with gorgeous singing and acting and a grounded presence. Bobby feels like a real person; Garrood’s reactions to other characters feel relatable and genuine and he leads this show magnificently. Cordero-Marino’s rendition of ‘Another Hundred People’ is a similarly powerful number with a fantastic use of movement and space by the ensemble.
All of the performers in this cast are in excellent company with each other, demonstrating great talent, bold and engaging acting choices, and genuine chemistry and joy enacting couples and friends.
This is a fantastic production from Sedos, which has already almost sold out its two week run at the Bridewell Theatre. If you have the opportunity to catch it before it closes it is a brilliant interpretation of one of Stephen Sondheim’s most famous and engaging shows.
Director: Emily Phillips
Musical Director: Thomas Marple
Assistant Musical Director: Ellie Bell
Choreographer: Lauren Williams
Producer: Adam Coppard
Lighting Designer: Olly Levett
Costume Designer: Laura Burman
Company plays at the Bridewell Theatre until Saturday 16 May.
