Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 5 July
****
Sheridan Smith was sensational in the role of Fanny Brice in the UK tour of Funny Girl at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre. As we watched Fanny Brice rise from awkward child to worldwide star, Smith’s sparkling comic timing and genuine ‘funny bones’ made her a joy to watch. Her sincere connection to the cast, and they to her, made you as an audience member feel genuinely joyful and truly engaged.
The most poignant moments are when Smith is alone on stage, singing from the depths of her heart numbers like Don’t Rain On My Parade. She has the ability to convey Fanny’s vulnerability through her voice, engaging the audiences compassion and empathy. Her romance, subsequent marriage and divorce from the suave and sophisticated Nick Arnstein is the central theme of the show. Arnstein is played by Darius Campbell, née Danesh – famed for his Britney Spears turn on ITV’s Popstars, now a stalwart of London musical theatre. His voice is superb and he reminded me of Rhett Butler – indeed, it transpires he played him in Sir Trevor Nunn’s theatrical adaptation of Gone With The Wind.
Every member of the cast played their parts with passion and conviction. Reminiscent of the great Ealing comedies, with humour and heart, the talent cast were well deserving of the spontaneous standing ovation they received.
words ALDENE THOMAS