PIPPIN - AT THE ADC
One could say that the musical ‘Pippin’ gives you two shows for the price of one. The first half is a panto-style history play around the court of Charlemagne. He is a bit of a nasty tyrant with a dim macho son (Lewis) and a scholarly lad in existential crisis, the aforesaid Pippin. The second half changes gear entirely. Pippin is now Holy Roman Emperor but is still unhappily seeking some meaning to his life. Does he find it? Or not?
You will have to buy a ticket for the ADC to find out. But buy it you must. Though this 1970s show by Stephen Schwartz (he of ‘Godspell’) is a bit of a strange mish-mash, the production by Pied Pipers is outstanding. ‘Pippin’ is essentially a highest octane dance show. This is not surprising as it was originally conceived by legendary hoofer Bob Fosse. The show demands incredibly high standards of choreography, vocal range and showbiz pizzazz. Luckily the immensely talented cast shone in all departments.
Helen Petrovna gave an astonishing portrayal as ‘Leading Player’, a kind of Mephistophelian mistress-of-ceremonies. And what ceremonies! In a strangely mysterious ‘show within a show’ format, she is theatrical director, bizarre narrator, audience cajoler and demonic dancer. Perhaps the highlight of her extraordinary performance was a madcap routine on skates – so we even got a bit of ‘Starlight Express’ here.
Petrovna was more than ably supported by the rest of the cast. Oliver Oxley was in fine voice as Pippin and brought a certain tenderness to an otherwise rather silly role. Scott Riley commanded the stage in suitable fashion as the old Emperor who was neither holy, nor Roman. The supporting leading dancers were each amazingly good not least in the hilarious farmyard scene – I have rarely seen better human chickens.
Catriona Clarke held the stage beautifully as the sad widow who attempts to capture the heart of restless Pippin. Her son, the very young George Fisher was also perfectly cast as the little boy who clings to his pet duck. Christine Poole gave first rate support in her largely dance role and Mandy Jeffery brought the house down as the wily, ‘seen a thing or two’ grandma. Alex Butcher offered many laughs as the jealous brother.
Everything about this production directed by Emily Starr had the mark of top quality; from the dramatic lighting show to the excellent band led by Ana Sanderson. David Mallabone should also be praised to the Pippin sky for his masterly choreography. You really would not see a better production of this musical on the West End.
I won’t give away the ending except to say what was a light hearted musical romp in Act 1, became in Act 2 a much bleaker, sinister and unsettling slice of theatre. Two shows for the price of one? This wonderful production was certainly worth twice the ticket price. These pied pipers are definitely worth following.
PHOTO CREDIT;: @peterbuncombephotography
