Last updated: 29 July 2023
Originally published July 2016. 50 years have passed and finally Funny Girl has once again returned to London’s West End. Now showing at the Savoy Theatre after a run at the smaller Menier Chocolate Factory.
The show has been in the headlines more recently for the absence of its leading lady, Sheridan Smith. The show announced Smith would be on two months leave until mid July citing exhaustion and stress. The understudy, Natasha J Barnes would take to the stage as the famed, Fanny Brice.
Fanny Brice is a gauche Jewish Brooklyn girl who dreams of being on stage. Her stubby legs and corpulent figure make her ill-suited for the role of a high-kicking chorus girl she dreams of being. In an era long before feminism and girl power, Fanny finds that self-depreciating humour will go a long way to being centre stage and in the spotlight. Sadly it’s an era where any respectable girl needs a husband, something Fanny’s mother, played by Marilyn Cutts, and her gaggling entourage of OAPs regularly remind her of.
It’s well known that strong performances are required to supplement the thin plot of Funny Girl. To put it simply, a girl aspiring for the spotlight falls for the charm of suave bad-boy Nick Arnstein, played by Darius Campbell.
As Fanny’s relationship with affable American Nick dominates the storyline with the back and forth love story. As he lusts after her, she is hypnotised by his worldly charm, his masculine square jaw line and his smouldering good looks.
His presence and demeanour reminds me of Mr Big from Sex in the City. Campbell is vocally impressive and seems to ooze the charisma needed for the role of Nick. However, it’s not a profound nor a standout performance, it’s feels a tad uninspiring.
Funny Girl has a famed soundtrack and notable numbers remain in the performance. Barnes’ rendition of His Love Makes Me Beautiful is a hit with the audience as she struts across the stage showcasing a baby bump, laughter and giggles ensue. I was surprised to see the iconic People be interpreted into a gentle longing number and somewhat predictably, Don’t Rain on My Parade received a round of applause. Fanny confidently declares “I got 36 expressions”, all of which are showcased by Barnes throughout the show. A wink here and a nudge there have the audience and Fanny in a strangely close affair.
As the second act comes, Fanny & Nick marry and have a child however her drive and lust for the spotlight remain within her. Her return to the stage is represented with war time number Rat-tat-tat-tat with Fanny’s costuming mishaps have the audience engaged and amused. As the plot thins out in the second act, Barnes does a wonderful job at gauging the audience response and feeding off it by producing an even stronger performance.
Always the optimist Fanny says “we got our health, marriage and a baby” and perhaps just few good stars is all Funny Girl needs to get it over the line. While some might say she has big shoes to fill, Barnes steps into the role of Fanny with the flair and precision you’d expect from a seasoned performer. Her solid performance was acknowledged by a standing ovation, something the star appeared obviously humbled by. Theres no doubt that Barnes has a bright future and we’re sure to see more of her in the spotlight.
Funny Girl casting update
Savoy Theatre announced on Twitter that Smith is reprising her role as Brice from 11 July. Barnes will continue to perform on some evenings so whether you see Smith or Barnes as Fanny, you’re in for a treat.
The Essentials | Funny Girl
- When: Playing now until October 2016
- Where: The Savoy Theatre, Strand WC2R 0ET
- Nearest Tube: Temple
- Tickets: For the best available tickets, book online
