Review: Extraordinary Women, Jermyn Street Theatre

Jermyn Theatre is a charming boutique 70-seater theatre, nestled between Pall Mall and Soho. Jerymn Street, itself, is the foyer both for incoming and interval conversations. Descending into the cosy theatre, we are transported to the island of Scoglio delle Sirene, Capri, mythological home to the Sirens. Our scene is set within an elegant villa, where whimsical signage to the toeletta is appropriately lit when patrons are free to cross the stage and use them between acts.

Extraordinary Women, written by Compton Mackenzie in 1928, provides a poignant and glamorous window into the glittering world of 1920s privilege, the rollercoaster of sapphic love, intertwined with generosity of friendship. Sarah Travis (composer) and Richard Stirling (adaptation and lyrics) have duetted to provide an elegant and witty retelling of the original book, focused upon a group of talented and beguiling women. Carla Joy Evans’ costume design guides our understanding of the characters, from the sensual sheen of Sirens to the bejewelled, tailored stylishness of 1920s high society.

Alex Marker’s set design is minimalist yet opulent; denoting the views with a large seascape, some deceptively simple architectural features and, of course, a Greek statue. This is beautifully complemented by Alex Musgrave’s lighting design, which takes us through time and scene placement with artful colours and nuances of depth and shade.

The talented female cast perform multiple effortless transitions from socialites to Sirens, fluidly and sensually. Jasmine Kerr characterises both charming ingénue and sultry Siren, while Sophie Louise Dann is a triumph in all three of her roles; beautifully expressive, with acerbic, witty delivery and an ability to create meticulous arch interactions with the audience. Our only man, Jack Butterworth, is a master of quick change in accents, demeanour and costumes. He provides further dynamics of wit and humour as servant, lover and charming friend, Daffodil. Amy Ellen Richardson’s Rosalba is a Dietrich-esque study in brooding passion and manipulation, masking vulnerability and exacting favours from every sapphic interaction.

Extraordinary Women provides an engaging riot of characters, scenes and perspectives as we are entertained with soaring voices, sharp dialogue and the musical direction of Sam Sommerfeld. The compositions are melodious, intricate and charming. Individual vocals are largely smooth and sonorous. The cast have wide ranging vocal ability; as Sirens, their harmonious blend is sublime. At times where vocals rise, there is an unpleasant shrillness, which could be due to nerves or the bounce of lower ceilings and confined space. In other moments, elements of lyrical wit are lost due to indistinct delivery or a lack of volume when facing the set rather than audience.

Jo Goodwin has choreographed with precision, from the sinuous movement of Sirens, to the playful 1920s style dances of foxtrot, black bottom, tango and jazz. Director, Paul Foster has devised so many intelligent transitions, entrances and exits, maximising use of the intricate theatre space and highlighting the cohesiveness of this cast. It is this direction that creates a larger and brighter feel, allowing patrons to inhabit a viewing gallery of this opulent setting, voyeurs of these intricate, passionate creatures.

Ultimately, this is a joyful sapphic romp, with elegance, wit and endearing characterisation. Its location allows the audience to descend back through time, into a hedonistic lifestyle of opulence and the new-found freedoms of socially advantaged women. The wit and musicality are entertaining and transportative. Extraordinary Women truly ‘hold the key’ to a fabulous world.

Book and lyrics: Richard Stirling
Based on the novel by: Sir Compton Mackenzie
Composed by: Sarah Travis
Directed by: Paul Foster
Choreography by: Jo Goodwin
Musical direction by: Sam Sommerfeld
Set design by: Alex Marker
Costumes by: Carla Joy Evans
Lighting design by: Alex Musgrave

Extraordinary Women plays at Jermyn Street Theatre until Sunday 10 August.