Review: Company

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Company.
I had been following the progress of this revival of Company since it was first announced in late November 2016, over two years ago. I was rather interested in seeing it, due to the fact that it was one of the few Stephen Sondheim musicals that I had not yet experienced. In addition to this, Company's spectacular cast, featuring the likes of Rosalie Craig, Mel Geidroyc, Gavin Spokes, Alex Gaumond and the one and only Patti Lupone, made this show even more enticing.

Company tells the story of Bobbie, who spends her 35th birthday struggling to think of a wish to make as she blows out her birthday candles. Surrounded by her married friends, Bobbie is confronted with the question as to whether she should simply be happy alone, or whether she should wish for her own romantic partner. Over the course of the musical, Bobby explores the concept of relationships, vulnerability and "being alive". In its original form, Company told the story of Robert, a lone bachelor. However, in this modern take, the show now revolves around Roberta, a singleton. Along with this gender reversal, this production now features a same-sex couple, meaning that the characters of Amy and Paul are now Jamie and Paul. Such changes have occurred in order to represent today's society more accurately. On the whole, I would say that this change has been highly successful. Having read several articles by Marianne Elliot justifying these revisions to the original script, I can completely understand as to why she has made these adjustments. In today's society, it would appear that the story is both more compelling and realistic for the leading character to be female. My only minor criticism in regards to the show's book is that I did feel certain areas of the story could have potentially been shortened. In its current form, Company's running length is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and in order to stop certain segments from dragging, it could be cut down by 15 minutes.

My favourite aspect of Company is its musical score, written by the one and only Stephen Sondheim; both the music and lyrics are truly quite special. Several days after seeing this production, the music continues to repeat in my head. There are several exceedingly memorable tunes in the score; to call them catchy would be an understatement. The lyrics complement the music nicely, and in particular the lyrics to penultimate musical number 'Being Alive' are rather poignant. My favourite songs from this score include "You Could Drive a Person Crazy', 'Getting Married Today', 'The Ladies Who Lunch' and 'Being Alive'.

In the lead role of Bobbie is Rosalie Craig, who has embodied this role flawlessly. She creates a brilliant characterisation, skilfully balancing both the anxious and confident sides to Bobbie and therefore providing an utterly captivating performance. Additionally, Craig also boasts a stunning voice. Patti LuPone, as expected, also gives an amazing performance as the affluent friend Joanne. LuPone provides a real show-stopper moment with her number 'The Ladies Who Lunch' towards the end of act two, which ended up being a real highlight. Special mentions must also be given to Mel Geidroyc and Gavin Spokes, who portray Sarah and Harry. They had terrific chemistry with one another and were utterly hilarious. They had the audience in stitches, and I would have enjoyed seeing them feature more often.

I greatly admire Marianne Elliot's direction of this production; the way in which she has re-invented Company is truly ingenious. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into the decisions surrounding this production, and it is safe to say that this hard work has definitely paid off. Creatively, this production shines. The set design, which has been crafted by Bunny Christie, is immensely striking. The illuminated box-like structures of each room really suited the production well. The lighting, which has been designed by Neil Austin, is also excellent. Parts of the stage are cleverly blacked out, subtly allowing certain characters to fade into the darkness, therefore helping to emphasis certain effects.

The featured star of Company is, drum roll please... ROSALIE CRAIG!

Rosalie Craig is astonishing in the role of Bobbie. She provides a great characterisation, and has the audience in the palm of her hand from start to finish. It is also rather impressive to think that Craig is onstage for almost the entirety of the play, meaning that she barely leaves the stage once.

Now for my final verdict on Company. I give Company...

This stunning production of company possesses a stunning cast, along with some rather impressive creative aspects. It certainly lives up the hype!

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer