Book: Ashley Jana & Will Nuziata
Music and Lyrics: Ashley Jana
Director: Will Nuziata
We’re in Italy although there’s nothing remotely Italian about the ambience. A lonely motherless girl Sienna (Cayleigh Capaldi) wants to be a singer, to the horror of her farmer father. So she runs away to join a circus owned by a dastardly Englishman named Figaro (Jon Robyns). From then on, this predictable, shallow narrative is effectively Carousel with a hint of Carmen and a lot of unresolved loose ends. The final, enigmatic line is “No more”, which comes as a relief, although it’s actually a lazy cop-out.
It’s a pity that the vehicle is so woefully superficial because there are some powerful performances here. Capaldi is very convincing as a star singer and, because it’s partly a show about a show (not exactly an original concept), there is plenty of opportunity for her to show off her impressive vocal range and colourful dynamics. And Robyns presents a highly attractive villain. With that fruity voice, he could (and does) seduce almost anyone. Ava Brennan, as the kind, down-to-earth company dresser/designer, is delightful too.
Also impressive are Sophia Goodman and Cian Eagle-Service as the two children Figaro has kidnapped/rescued to work in his company. Both are experienced in West End roles, have oodles of stage presence and they work beautifully together. Their harmony singing is impeccable.
Some of Ashley Jana’s music might be memorable if it was heard a few times. Occasionally an attractive melody comes along. And there’s a good moment when Sienna is arguing with her father and the music is pounding along in tense, urgent 6|8. Her lyrics, however, are pitifully banal.
Beneath all this is a fine seven-piece band (London Musical Theatre Orchestra) led by Caitlin Morgan. The string work – a full-string quartet sits at the centre of it – is especially fine although the volume is too loud when it’s lifted for what is presumably meant to be dramatic effect.
It was a mistake, incidentally, to call this show “Figaro”, a name which has irrelevant Mozart and Rossini connotations and is arguably misleading. The circus could, and should, have had any Italian name.
Runs until 4 February 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Toothless show pleasingly done
