Written and conceived by Peter Polycarpou,Falling Stars is a charming and fascinating exploration of composers, collaborators and publishers of the 1920’s.
Running at just an hour, Peter Polycarpou and Sally Anne Triplett whisk audiences back to the 1920’s for a charmingly nostalgic look at some of the composers and collaborators who created music during this time.
The story sees the discovery of a lost songbook in a hidden corner of an antique shop on East Finchley High Road, which then builds into a gorgeous song cycle featuring the work of composers such as Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin, Buddy De-Silva, Ray Henderson, Vincent Youmans, Carl Schraubstader, Arthur Freed, and Meredith Wilson.
While many of the names will be less familiar to a modern day audience, Falling Stars is still a fascinating exploration of work that brings them out of the shadows and into the spotlight. While there are some familiar songs including Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Smile’ and ‘What’ll I Do’ by Irving Berlin, some of the highlights are discovering songs such as a charmingly playful rendition of the novelty song ‘Yes! We Have No Bananas’ by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn or a heartfelt rendition of ‘Roses of Picardy’ with lyrics by Frederick Weatherly and music by Haydn Wood.
This two handed show feels wonderfully intimate and atmospheric, with the old fashioned styled set being softly but warmly lit thanks to Andrew Exeter’s lighting design, offering some gorgeous moments during performances – particularly during the more tender numbers.
Written and conceived by Peter Polycarpou, it is clear that a lot of thought and research has gone into ensuring that the composers and collaborators are all given equal time to shine. It consistently feels like a celebration of music and those who make it.
Meanwhile, the diverse range of songs that feature ensure that the balance between entertainment (‘The Sheikh’) and emotionally powerful numbers (‘What’ll I Do’) is nicely struck, while Mark Dickman’s arrangements keep the mood authentic. Every song is performed by Polycarpou and Sally Anne Trippett with great emotion and heaps of personality that keeps the show engaging to watch.
Overall, Falling Stars is a wonderfully nostalgic show that really captures the spirit of the 1920’s and the music that was around at the time. A richly rewarding experience.
By Emma Clarendon
Falling Stars will be streamed via stream.theatre from the 22nd to the 29th November. It will then be performed live at the Union Theatre on the 8th and 9th January 2021. Update: due to the ongoing restrictions it is now being streamed at Stream.Theatre from the 1st to the 14th February.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐