La Cage Aux Folles - Brilliant....But

La Cage Aux Folles is an unmissable feel good show full of hummable tunes, a great storyline and enough humour to leave your chuckle muscles demanding union representation!

However, it is also a musical that seduces its players into being over indulgent to the point that they forget they are in a theatrical production, and not a free-standing drag show at one of Briggate's gay bars.

This latest offering at Leeds Grand was almost seamless in its delivery with some consistent, brilliant, across-the-board performances, however, in the way Neil Morrissey thought it was ok to mention Bob the Builder when he played Fagin, and Rowen Atkinson to wave a Mr Bean teddy bear when in the same role, so it was incumbent on John Partridge as Albin not to cross the same muddy line; but he crept into it.

If there was a marginal criticism of director, Martin Connor's production, it is that it needed 5% more restraint because Jerry Herman's La Cage Aux Folles can so easily take on the mantle of a runaway train, betraying what it truly is; a masterpiece in musical theatre.

This time we had some northern regional accents in a St Tropez setting, which I can live with, and John Partridge as Albin was excellent, except for his overly long solo 'stand up' which bordered on drag queen showtime. It almost damaged the show's continuity.

That very same thing happened, on occasions, when Danny La Rue played the same part. Sometimes 'famous' people, Partridge is known for his role in Eastenders, think they are bigger than the part they are playing. They aren't.

It's called acting and certain professional restraint is called for, however outrageous the role. Straying over the footlights is all very well.... but know when to pull back.

This is the first tour of La Cage, put together by Bill Kenwright, and there are huge chunks of re-write to the original book but, overall, it was great, uplifting and everything a musical should be - joyous, fun and inspiring. You certainly went home tapping your feet and humming that Gloria Gaynor favourite, I am what I am.

For the uninitiated, the show centres around Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, star of La Cage aux Folles. Together they live an idyllic existence in the heart of St Tropez but all is about to change.

Georges' son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the local colourful night-life. Drama and hilarity ensue when a meeting of the parents forces them to cover up their vibrant lifestyle.

Both Partridge and Adrian Zmed as George were brilliant. Neither one overshadowed the other, even though Albin got all the laughs.

Dougie Carter as Jean-Michelle had a great voice and the absurdity of Samson Ajewole's towering height and dressing him in a French maid's outfit, gave him plenty of comedy value as 'the maid', Jacob.

Jerry Herman has an uncanny ability to pen memorable tunes, Hello Dolly!, Mame and those songs that permeate every corner of La Cage - the Best of Times, Song on the Sand and, of course, I Am What I Am, which Partridge delivered beautifully, drawing tears from his audience.

Marti Webb made a token appearance as Jacqueline, friend of Albin and Georges, but the real stars of this show were its two leading men and the wonderful Cagelles who high kicked their way through two hours of glitz, tits and teeth. An uplifting night.

Leeds Grand
Until Saturday 25 March 2017