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GIGI
Zenith Theatre Company
Regent Centre
Christchurch
July 2003

THE story of Gigi is a charming one, but I am convinced that it is better suited either to film or the novel on which it is based. As a musical it is hampered by eighteen separate scenes, which present no problem on paper or to a film studio but inevitably cause delays on stage.
Zenith coped remarkably smoothly with the scene changes but were let down by late lighting and musical cues that held up the action considerably. Another problem for the company was that at times the orchestra appeared to be playing something that was at odds with what those on stage were singing. Additionally, the chorus, unlike the principals, did not have mikes and were difficult to hear.
However, those things apart, this production, directed by Trevor & Wendy Hampshaw, had much in its favour. Costumes, designed and created by the talented Ann Whitaker, were superb and gave the show an enviable air of Parisian elegance. The principals were well cast too, with extremely good, sincere characterisations from Kenneth Jones (Honore), Laura Elgar (Gigi), Ian Roth (Gaston), Linda Eaton (Mamita) and Janet Purkis (Aunt Alicia). And in smaller roles both Debbie Back (Liane d’Exelmans) and Len Murray (Manuel) made a lasting impression.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
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