Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love originally came to stage in 1989, this beautifully written adaptation with Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart revisits the emotional tumultuous and ethically challenged love triangle set in post war France and Venice. Michael Ball returns to the stage as the accomplished George Dillingham. Actress Rose, fickle and in need of male affection is performed with palpable emotion and grit by Laura Pitt-Pulford. Giulietta, the Italian sculptor played by Danielle de Niese wows the theatre audience with her performance as George’s mistress.
Their relationships become entwined within a web of egotistical jealousy, passion and complexity when Alex, Jamie Bogyo a soldier whose infatuation of love for Rose shifts awkwardly to Jenny his young cousin in an evolving relationship which develops when she is only 15yrs played beautifully by Zoe Hart and the older Jenny, Anna Unwin. Jenny declares her love for Alex at 18yrs and this sparks a revolt of emotion that was to be the demise of the characters involved.
Michael Ball performs Love Changes Everything, adding a nostalgic moment very reminiscent of the original score, which was well received by the audience. There is a sense that this musical is of its age and there is a question mark against its place within today’s modern culture with its evolving societal norms and aspirational desire to have a ‘WOW’ moment in any musical theatre production, however this did not detract from this stage performance. There were comical references, and moments within the narrative about who was the best at sex, to Alex pulling a gun on his true love Rose. It was difficult at times to take it seriously, yet maybe this may have been the writer’s intention.
The musical lyrics of love, within the relationships depict a sense of vulnerability, sexual desire and abandonment; outstanding performances by adult Jenny and Rose’s “Anything But Lonely” a masterpiece, a poignant moment in the story of life. This appeared to resonate amongst the audience in their appreciation.
The scene changes with its stunning watercolour artwork, grand and beautifully designed by John Macfarlane, created a whole new dimension to musical theatre by the captivating scenery on stage; scenes of a changing societal culture and nature ebbing and flowing from side to side between the scenes was genius and by far the most inspiring part of this production. The black projection shrinking in size like a microscope ending its focus on the players captured the still’ heightening the dramatic mood, just brilliant. It was a surreal experience to witness the art of music combined with visual creative art encompassing the spectacular references to this musical production. The Circus scene specifically was a real joy and a feast for the eyes.
Musical direction by Cat Beverbridge was true to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original opera score which added a sense of a gravitas to this production. This revival was a nostalgic trip and oozed professionalism. Michael Ball looked at home on stage and will surely delight his fan base in this performance. The cast offer a sublime rendition of Webbers melodic songs which is never disappointing.
Aspects of Love is currently booking until 11th November, https://thelyrictheatre.co.uk/tickets/aspects-of-love/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 25th May 2023
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
