‘Life’s Not Worth a Dam, Till You Can Say…I am, What I am.’ – La Cage Aux Folles, The Orchard Theatre, 09.05.2017
I was very happy to be returning to The Orchard Theatre for this week’s press night. What was nice was that I didn’t know much about this production, so I was excited at what to expect.
Myself and my friend Grace took our seats in the upper Circle, row C seats 20 and 21. Our view – as expected, was great. The whole stage could be viewed, and faces visible. Would recommend these seats if they were up for grabs.
La Cage Aux Folles, is an all glamour musical. With music and lyric by Jerry Herman, and book by Harvey Fierstein (also the writer of Kinky Boots the Musical). It tells the story of a gay couple Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment. Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction (Zaza). The farcical adventures ensue when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them. Things don’t go as to plan.
The story for one is quite basic, predictable in parts of what will happen next. but with it sends an amazing message. First performed in 1983, its clear how much our society has grown with the 
acceptance of same sex marriage and the gay community. But also we still see the conflicts that arise in today of the communities opinion and views. I also wasn’t expecting it to be as funny as it was but then, with Harvey Fierstein writing the book I should have known. With a lot of clever wit, great one liners, all undercut by a touching truthfulness.
The best thing about this show, is its glamour and boy does it have a lot of it! The costumes especially designed by Gary McCann, were stunning. All of the drag queens looked beautiful against the set design also designed by Gary, with the golds and rich reds workeing beautifully together. It all punctuated the production to make it seem particularly luxe, then the array of feathers, sequins and baubles make each drag number a delight to view.
Being opening night we had the pleasure of seeing the full cast in action:
Albin – John Partridge
Georges- Adrian Zmed
Jean Michele- Dougie Carter
Anne – Alexandra Robinson
Jacob – Samson Ajewole
Dindon/Renaud – Su Douglas
Francis – Jon De Ville
Angelique – Richard Leavey
Bitelle- Matthew Ives
Chantal – Louie-George Daniels
Hannah – Jordan Livesey
Mercedes -Oliver Proudlock-John
Phaedra – Brian O’Muiri
Rochelle- Luke Byrne
Babette – Jane Quinn
Collette – Rachel Cumino
The Diva’s of the night were all glamorous, I would kill to have some of their Legs. Their attitude was spot on, and dance moves a pleasure to watch. They certainly brought La Cage Aux Folles club to life, and ‘la cage aux folles’ literally means “the cage of mad women”. I wouldn’t say that they were ‘mad’ per say, maybe the one with the whip… but all had stage presence you couldn’t ignore!
The head Diva Zaza or Albin should I say, was portrayed by John Partridge. Known for his role 
mostly as Christian in EastEnders, John is no stranger to the stage. I had seen in last year myself in Chicago Albin, is very far from Lawyer Billy Flynn! Watching John in this role, it was like it was his alter ego, and he gave his all as the glamourous Albin. What I loved also was along with Zaza’s strong personality, he also brings out the vunerabilty in the character, especially during ‘Look Over There’ number. It was so moving to watch that you felt every emotion he was feeling. There is also no denying that John doesn’t have a strong voice, his belts seem to last for minutes with such power and control. However at times during the smaller numbers his style of singing did not suit at times. His iconic number had to be the Act 1 finale ‘I Am What I Am’ with emotion in every word displayed throughout.
His lover Georges played by Adrian Zmed, who starred in musical film Grease 2 was also very enjoyable to watch. Although he didn’t have the same presence as the diva’s did on stage, his role shone through from his love of Albin and their relationship was brilliantly portrayed between the tow of them . Although we were annoyed he went with the plan to hide Albin in support of his Son (who Albin brought up as his own), when he finally came round we were smiling in his seats. His voice was great to listen to.
Other mentions go to Dougie Carter who played Georges son Jean-Michelle. You felt for him, but yet were angered by him for trying to portray a normal family life and hiding the truth from his in-laws. However in the end he sees Albin for who she truly is, his mother it brings a tear to the eye. Dougie portrayed this brilliantly, and also has
a lovely warming tone in his voice. Samson Ajewole as Jacob – the maid of the house had brilliant diva attitude and great comic moments that the audience loved.
There is no doubt that this show is all Glam and it was a brilliant night out. Also would highly recommend for the Hen Parties out there as a preshow celebration. I am so glad that I got to experience this show not knowing what to expect, I wasn’t disappointed! La Cage Aux Folles is currently playing at The Orchard Theatre until 13th May, for further information go here. It will then embark on the remainder of its UK Tour, for further information go Here. Guaranteed to get your toes tapping, and your body shimmering.
