We round up the reviews for Flo & Joan’s show about Andrew Lloyd Webber, running until the 2nd March.
Broadway World: ***** “Front and centre as the composer is Fouracres displaying the kind of physical comedy chops that haven’t been seen in the capital since Daniel Rigby’s turn in Accidental Death of An Anarchist. It’s a superb performance that sees him throw himself into the role wholeheartedly, sending up the composer’s warbling tones and other verbal mannerisms when not jumping about with a vigour that would be impressive for a man half Lloyd Webber’s age.”
Mind the Blog: ***** “Even if you just know the most basic facts, there will be an in-joke or reference just for you. I should point out that it’s a fantastical rendering of ALW’s life; whilst there are some random factoids that may pique your interest (such as his idea to make a musical about Dr Barnardo), please don’t confidently assert to your pub quiz team that he once worked with a man called Mr Bulgur-Wheat…”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2 “There is no shortage of gags and affection for the composer; the songs are a clever reflection of the character study and Fouracres’ charisma cannot be contained by what this version of Lloyd Webber might consider a modest venue. But there is less mileage in some of the jokes which appear too frequently on repeat, including a jibe about the location of the theatre in a saucy bit of Soho which is certainly far more pedestrian in its contemporary form opposite the Co-op and close to a genteel looking independent bakery.”
Musical Theatre Review: **** “It is, at points, extremely cutting indeed, but everything is delivered at such a thrillingly stupid and madcap pace that the Lord himself could watch the show and not be tempted to call in the lawyers. The version of Lloyd Webber that George Fouracres conjures up in front of our eyes is every bit as mercurial, hot-headed and opinionated as the real thing; but he’s also adorably vulnerable, and much more in tune with the wider theatrical community than the real thing could ever be.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “At times, the fast pace and exuberant delivery of the show is in danger of feeling a little bit too much, so a song towards the end, in which Lloyd Webber laments that he has lost his relevance is a welcome and poignant interlude – despite this it does not let go of the comedy at the show’s heart with him finding it increasingly difficult to say the name of the man who many see as the Crown Prince of Music-cools, Lin Manuel Miranda!”
Theatre Weekly: **** “One Man Musical has bags of substance even if it does have very little in the way of spectacle, and in reality that’s what makes it so appealing. George Fouracres’ brilliantly funny way of portraying the character and the clever script combine to an enjoyable musical that makes for a fun night of theatre.”
North West End: ***** “The music is memorable, and the lyrics compliment the stage presence of George Fouracre’s veracious performance of this character, makes it, he is excellent in it. Simple staging but it’s the people who made it.”
Gay times: **** “One Man Musical is a wonderfully irreverent comedy show – it’s a superb performance from George Fouracres and Flo & Joan’s songwriting prowess is abundantly evident throughout. If you have any interest in theatre, musicals or comedy then do yourself a favour and pick up a ticket – you won’t regret it.”
The Times: “This joyous musical send-up beats the impresario at his own game.”
Theatre Monkey.com: ***** “Particularly for grown-up fans of musical theatre who grew up in Andrew’s “Golden Age,” and for anyone seeing a clever adult parody, this is unmissable. A shame there is no smaller West End theatre free for the foreseeable, as this deserves almost as long a run as anything written before 1986 by you-know-who.”
Stage Masters.co.uk: “Flo & Joan have written a highly original show that is both an ode to musical theatre and a comical meta-commentary on the culture surrounding it. It’s bursting with comedy from every avenue and is only made stronger from its sensational lead performance. Bigger things are on the horizon for this jaw-achingly funny piece of theatre that simply must be seen by more people before a certain someone’s lawyers get involved!”
To book tickets visit: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/one-man-musical/