Berlusconi – Southwark Playhouse

Silvio Berlusconi: renowned former Italian prime-minister, celebrated billionaire and the self-proclaimed ‘Jesus Christ of politics.’ But perhaps, that’s just one side to his story…

Performed at the Southwark Playhouse, ‘Berlusconi’ is a pop-rock musical communicating to audiences the affects this political leader has had on those close to him in addition to the affects he has caused among the global masses. However, beyond the topic of the property mogul himself, this is a piece of theatre about power. How it’s gained, how it’s misused, how it’s taken advantage of and the devastating consequences of it.

What enticed me about this production was how it was framed through the device of media. One of the female leads, Fama who was played Jenny Fitzpatrick, was a news reporter, reporting on Berlusconi and his political reign. To immerse an audience into this narrative, the technique of live cinema was utilised in which an onstage Fama was recorded, and a live feed was projected onto the wall of the theatre. This perfectly physicalised the duality of what is known publicly and what is known personally about these political leaders.

Before moving on further, I must commend Sebastien Torkia (Silvio Berlusconi), Emma Hatton (Veronica), Sally Ann Triplett (Ilda) as well as the entire cast on not only their skills as actors, but also their talents for singing which can be described as nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the musical I was well and truly immersed into the world of these characters and that is thanks to nothing other than the aptitude from the performers.

The Southwark Playhouse is presented in an almost thrust staging, which I believe works well with ‘Berlusconi’. However, I do not believe that the second level seating should have been made use of. As an audience member sitting in the balcony seats, I often felt isolated from the action since a large portion of the show revolved around actors interacting with the audience sat in the lower level of the theatre. This production would have truly excelled in a smaller, more intimate theatre so that potential of the effect of audience interaction would have been fully realised.

Nevertheless, the front of house at this venue was marvellous. Upon arrival I was greeted with Italian limoncello, traditional music and ceiling to floor Italian flag décor which allowed me to lose myself in the place and time in which Berlusconi reigned. Before exiting the venue, I was once again greeted with more Italian beverages and traditional, delicious, rustic-style pizza. Evidently, the front of house at this venue was without a doubt phenomenal.

Overall, the new musical ‘Berlusconi’ is a gem which I would strongly recommend to all theatregoers. Playing until 29th April, https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/berlusconi/

Reviewer: Julia Panova

Reviewed: 29th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★