Are girls funny? Unfortunately it’s a debate that divides opinion. However, Sheridan Smith’s original portrayal of Fanny Brice in the musical production of Funny Girl, leaves us without doubt that this girl is not only funny; she is hilarious. Sheridan’s funny girl will make you laugh and smile all the way through her ingenious comedic performance.
The musical is based on a semi-biographical story by Isobel Lennart, based on the life and love of Fanny Brice, a Jewish comedienne and Broadway star popular in the first half of the 1900s. We see her rising career conflict with her tumultuous relationship with Nick Arnstein, a gambler and con artist. Directed by Michael Mayer, Funny Girl is a slick, contemporary interpretation of her story.
You might find yourself comparing Sheridan’s Fanny with Barbara Streisand from the 1968 film, but you’ll quickly forget it. Sheridan’s unique interpretation of the character has made this role her own. She has captured the child-like sweetness and gawkiness of the original Fanny Brice and injected a modern sense of humour into the role that really resonates with the audience.
Starring opposite Darius Campbell who plays Mr. Arnstein, Sheridan’s comedic punctuations are accentuated. Arnstein is tall, dark and suave. His every move is elegant and considered (bordering a little on the schmoozey side for my liking). Fanny is the complete opposite – a gawky, geeky free spirit. There’s a great tension created by this casting and the musical plays it up to its advantage. We see Arnstein strut confidently around the globe as fanny trots awkwardly on her travels of the less glamorous American states. Fanny also acts out little melodic soliloquies about Arnstein, adding another clever comedic dimension. Dressed by costume designer, Matthew wright, their personalities are accentuated further. Fanny wears less sophisticated 20s clothing contrasting with Arnstein’s perfectly tailored silk shirts.
The ‘Jewish mothers’, as I’ll call them, were also hugely entertaining. Played by Marilyn Cutts, Valda Avics and Gay Soper, they encapsulate the only real bit of Jewish ‘chutzpah’ that was somewhat amiss in the rest of the production. They gamble away, relaying their hilarious advice through numbers such as ‘If a girl isn’t pretty’ and meddle in Fanny’s romance in the forgivable way that only mothers can.
Julie Styne and Bob Merrill’s original score was uplifting and energetic. Sheridan’s infectious rendition of ‘Don’t rain on my parade’ brought on a few tingles as she hit the endnote with gusto. The orchestra was equally unfaultable, bringing Styne’s music to life with impeccable punch and pizzazz.
There was an elegance and simplicity to the set. It more or less stays the same throughout, but props and furniture are brought in to create just enough visual stimulation to set the scene. A simple dressing room table, a lamp, or a suitcase might be all we need. Mark Henderson’s lighting arrangement compliments with a warm and inviting tone.
The one criticism I have with the story itself. The first act opens with Fanny awaiting the return of her husband from prison, gazing into her dressing room mirror, uttering the infamous words, ‘Hello gorgeous’. But this tragic opening scene isn’t made clear enough for someone unfamiliar with the story, and inhibits your awareness of Fanny and Arnstein’s escalating tension toward disaster. For the first act, everything is invariably happy. Even Fanny herself remarks, ‘Oh, I haven’t suffered enough yet.’ And even when tragedy hits, the ever-resilient Fanny doesn’t let it ‘Rain on her Parade’. It’s almost too happy.
Gripe aside, the overall performance was fantastic. The Savoy Theatre was buzzing with positive energy all evening and the cast shone brightly. Sheridan’s comedic interpretation of Fanny was enrapturing and she has created a genuinely funny girl.
Funny Girl is at The Savoy Theatre until until 8th October 2016. For more information and to book tickets visit the website.
