Director: Annabel Leventon
Audiences are likely here for a couple of reasons, the filth and unfiltered nature of Miriam Margolyes’ television appearances being one of them. But the principal (we hope) reason is to remember that, despite Margolyes’ more recent platforming, she is one of the UK’s most accomplished actors, as much a character-performing genius as a reliable and commanding stage performer.
From Aunt Sponge to Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny and, of course, Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter franchise, Margolyes is as recognisable as any of the country’s big-name stars of stage and screen. But their natural jour de vivre comes from the works of Charles Dickens – a writer Margolyes considers one of the UK’s greatest ever. A fitting match for one of our greatest-ever performers.
As sort of strike at the best of both worlds, Margolyes & Dickens: The Best Bits front-loads itself with a collection of Margolyes’ favourite monologues and sections of Dicken’s great works while it backends the show (the final half hour or so) with similar vibes to her recent book-tour, mainly consisting of a question-and-answer sequence with the audience providing the questions via a QR code at the start of the show.
Margolyes spends a good chunk of this second act promoting one life doctrine: be honest. No matter the circumstance, be honest. So, in the spirit of things – the first half of Dickens: The Best Bits is precisely that – the best bits. This is an opportunity for audiences to see a legacy performance flipping through accents, physicality, tone and humour at the click of a finger. A talent so inherently rare that this is not a moment to pass on. From their naughty glee as Mrs Gamp, the inebriated midwife, and a brief stint as Fagin, a performance to remember, these moments are special, defining.
And the second half? Grand. Humorous, insightful, and deeply personal in moments. But is it really what the purpose of this greatest hits of Dickens is? The term national treasure is tossed around with abandon these days, and the thing is, Margolyes is so much more than a material treasure. Her performances of Dicken’s eccentric and genre-defining characters are a masterclass in theatre – from a woman who breathes the art form and understands its intricacies better than anyone. Come for the naughtiness, stay for the memory-forging performance.
Runs until 15 August 2024 | Image: Contributed
The Reviews Hub Score
A memory-forging set of performances
