Theatre

Review: Gypsy settles in West End residency at the Savoy Theatre

Anything with the name Chichester Festival Theatre on it has been golden in the last few years, and with Imelda Staunton playing the protagonist, Gypsy has been proving to be yet another success with the press.

So when I got the opportunity to see the show in its new home at the Savoy Theatre, I immediately jumped at the chance, despite not exactly being a musical fan. Not to say that I don’t enjoy a musical from time to time, The Scottsboro Boys being one of my favourite shows that I’ve ever seen, but perhaps I’m just a sucker for a true, gritty American story.

Gypsy

Reading up on Gypsy, I discovered that the theme of chasing an American Dream was paramount to the tale of Rose and her children, and as the show is based on the true life memoirs of legendary burlesque entertainer, Gypsy Rose Lee, that was two ticked boxes for me. I was off to watch a musical!

And I wasn’t disappointed. With humour flowing throughout the show and music you can’t help but tap your foot too, I found myself mesmerised and lapping up the story. The set was cleverly used, casting the audience across America, exploring the world of entertainment from years gone by, and with a sour turn of the tale in the second act my thirst for a gritty story was quenched.

Gypsy

Momma Rose is a stubborn, forceful character who wins your heart from the start, and Imelda Staunton’s performance was nothing short of stunning. It’s clear to see what all the fuss was about.

This production sees Gypsy return to London for the first time in 40 years, and as far as musicals go, it’s right up there in my book. Take this opportunity to see it before the run ends on Saturday 18 July 2015. Get tickets now at Ticketmaster.co.uk.