★★★★★
The exchange of shows between the West End and Broadway is pretty brisk, but occasionally we have to wait a while longer for shows to cross the Atlantic. And this is the case with Something Rotten! It originally premiered on Broadway in March 2015, so it has taken the Bard and his merry band over a decade to reach our shores. But the wait has been worth it.
Nick Bottom (Jason Manford) and his actor brother Nigel (Cassius Hackforth) run a theatre troupe but risk their funding being pulled if they cannot come up with another play after their patron hears that William Shakespeare (Richard Fleeshman) is premiering Richard II just as the Bottoms are about to present his previous play Richard III. Bea, Nick's wife, (Marisha Wallace) forbids him to open their savings box and instead says she will go out and earn, even if it means taking jobs meant for men. Meanwhile, Nick encounters Thomas Nostradamus (Cory English), cousin to the famous Italian Nostradamus who claims to predict the future. He asks what the next big thing will be. He declares that the musical is the new future for the theatre. But when he is asked to predict what Shakespeare will do next and he misinterprets Hamlet as Omelette things start to take a dramatic turn....
And so begins this madcap show set in the 15th century and with nods to Shakespeare's heroes and heroines throughout. But never fear, you don't need to know much about Shakespeare's literary triumphs to enjoy this wonderful romp of a show.
Leading the charge in the central role of Nick Bottom is Manchester's own comedy legend Jason Manford, and of course Manford is a double threat because not only is his comedy pedigree first rate but he's also a fine singer (check out his album of show tunes A Different Stage) so is really able to invest in the character at every level. He is matched with full swagger and a dollop of camp by another Manchester stalwart, Richard Fleeshman as Will Shakespeare. Presented as a full on pop star, singing his sonnets to adoring fans, he exudes charisma and sexual allure and makes his solo 'Hard To Be The Bard' into an erotic masterpiece. Marisha Wallace has come home in a sense, she was once part of the original Broadway ensemble of Something Rotten! and now she is back as Nick Bottom's wife Bea, donning disguises in order to get work meant for men. Marisha has a big voice and she certainly makes the most of her limited solo time in 'Right Hand Man', it would have been nice to hear more from her mighty vocal chords. Cassius Hackworth makes for a sweet Nigel Bottom, aspiring writer and perhaps the equal of Shakespeare whilst Carla Dixon-Hernandez waits for him as Portia, daughter of a Puritan Jeremiah (Paul Ryan) who thinks the theatre is the work of the devil. Their duet 'I Love The Way' gives the piece is romantic heart. Central to the proceedings is Nostradamus (no, not that one) giving us the always welcome stage presence of Cory English (last seen time travelling in Back To The Future in the West End). English and Manford lead the show in its biggest number 'A Musical' which brings the house down, Nostradamus interjections throughout are hilarious. The ensemble work their socks off in all the numbers, really giving this production the feel of a large scale show as they become whirling dervishes on the stage.
Colin Richmond has designed a set of Elizabethan houses which stamp on us from the off the time period, matched with Rebecca Bower's sumptuous costumes, giving this a classy vista on which director and choreographer Tim Jackson works his magic. The score by brothers Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick has everything. Ballads, pop, gospel, Broadway musical comedy... its an intoxicating brew which serves the show its biggest treats. There are earworms aplenty.
Its easy to see why Something Rotten! was such a hit on Broadway, making it all the more criminal that we have had to wait so long to witness its brilliance. It arrives at just the right moment, given the almost daily wave of bad news from around the world we all have to contend with, Something Rotten! restores the joy into our lives and reminds us of the magic of live theatre. Its a homage to the timeless nature of Shakespeare's plays and is a love letter to the art of musical theatre. There no way Bottom can top this! West End open your doors, your next hit musical is on the way.
Rob & Ian
For up to date information go to the OFFICIAL SOMETHING ROTTEN WEBSITE
Further listening:
There's only one option - the superb 2016 original Broadway cast album featuring Christian Borle, Brian d'Arcy James and Heidi Bickerstaffe.
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