Verdict: Five stars
NO one could rain on the parade of the latest stage version of Funny Girl to roll into Glasgow – as the show is simply one of the best to grace the stage at the King’s Theatre this year.
Oozing with old Hollywood glamour, the cast of Funny Girl delivered a performance worthy of the standing ovation they received at the curtain close.
The story is one which some theatre fans may already know through Barbara Streisand’s unforgettable portrayal on the big screen.
But others, including me, will discover this romantic tale in the best way possible – on stage.
Natasha J Barnes, above, graces the stage as the loveable Fanny Brice who is an unconventional star in the sense that she does not have the classic beauty expected of females in theatreland at that time.
Her unique act of comedy breaks through against the odds and on the road to fame, she meets the dapper Nick Arsten played by Darius Campbell.
A classic love story then unfolds and the audience is left with a finale that leaves you wanting more from this story.
Natasha J Barnes played the lead role to perfection. The audience instantly fell in love with her as Fanny. Her comic timing caught the laughs, her choreography attracted a chuckle and she embodied everything expected of a ‘funny girl’.
The danger in theatre with such a big character is that an actor can fall into the danger of overplaying the role. Natasha, however, capsulated Fanny in every way you wanted and she even showed her vulnerability.
This actress is one to watch and those at the show who had seen the film said she stood her against Streisand’s version.
Another surprise performance came from Glasgow’s very own Darius Campbell who first shot to fame on Popstars and Pop Idol.
A lot of touring productions often take on a big name for the show and it can be more of a miss than a hit.
Darius Campbell, above, however, was born for the stage. If his calling wasn’t a hugely successful pop career, then it is definitely musical theatre.
He reminded me of Rhett Butler in how he portrayed Nick Arsten. He was suave, attractive and showed off the classic man’s man persona required for such a part.
Darius and Natasha together were a dream to watch on stage. The audience fell in love with them falling head over heels. Even a blip of comic timing from the audience laughing at an innuendo did not sway them from the part – although the pair were close to hysterics.
If you have to see any show at the King’s this year, it should be Funny Girl. This is musical theatre at its best.
The supporting cast were extremely talented and of a standard you would expect in the West End or on Broadway.
This show reminded me of why I love the theatre and a great story like this can only flourish if audiences continue to appreciate it.
Catch Funny Girl at the King’s Theatre until Saturday.
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