In post-First World War Italy, a multi-national group of women are enjoying a bohemian lifestyle on the fictional island of Sirene off the coast of Naples, with new-found freedoms and relationships. The island’s calm is maintained by a group of four sirens who watch over the island and its inhabitants. It’s an idyllic set-up, until the arrival of the penniless Rosalba upends the island’s serenity. Flirting with everyone, manipulating relationships, and enjoying creating chaos and mayhem, she causes distress and jealousy to her lover Aurora, who has sunk her money into buying a villa as their intended home. Friendships and relationships are formed and shattered as Rosalba romps through the group like a human Vesuvius, egotistically declaring how extraordinary she is. Everything comes to a head at a housewarming party in Aurora’s villa which ends with police being called when people and a pearl necklace go missing. This havoc puts the four sirens into a panic as they realise they are losing control of their carefully crafted narrative of an island paradise. So they are forced to step in to restore order.
The cast give this show their all. The six women (Sophie Louise Dann, Jasmine Kerr, Amira Matthews, Amy Ellen Richardson, Caroline Sheen and Monique Young) and lone man (Jack Butterworth) have impressive talent, triple-threats all. Five of the seven performers play multiple characters, barely having time to change costume between scenes but all accomplished with perfect timing and no drop in pace. Each character is richly drawn and, although occasionally portrayed as a stereotype (the ingenue, the Italian wide-boy, the brash American) the overall mix is impressive. Richardson brings a bold edge to Rosalba, a character who excites and annoys in equal measure. She is self-centred, appearing to care little for those around her, beyond how she can get everyone to fall for her. Caroline Sheen’s Aurora is demure and desperately in love with Rosalba. Her hurt at Rosalba’s disloyalty is palpable. Butterworth gives a hilarious turn in his various roles as playboy, effete, bemedalled soldier and Scotsman. But it’s Dann who almost steals the show as the buttoned-up chaperone Miss Chimbley and artistically over-the-top Cleo. Almost, because the quality of the whole cast is exceptional. Or even extraordinary.
In the limited space of the Jermyn Street’s stage, Paul Foster’s adept direction makes use of every inch, so it feels much more expansive than it really is. There are a couple of moments where the narrative skips around in time to before and after the fateful party, which are sudden and could be more clearly indicated. Musically, the songs work well to set the tone, expand the narrative and, while not quite reaching hummable status, are well-written and played with gusto by the two-man band (Sam Sommerfeld and James William-Pattison). Alex Marker’s set is minimalist but perfectly evokes a sun-kissed Italian island. The costumes (Carla Joy Evans) are perfectly on point for the era and redolent of wealth.
Compton Mackenzie’s novel took its backdrop from the thriving gay scene on Capri in the wake of the Great War. Sarah Travis and Richard Stirling’s adaptation of Extraordinary Women into a musical comedy is beautifully crafted, evocative of the post-War era as the world heads towards the “Roaring Twenties”. While overall this is a light-hearted piece, there is an underlying serious message about failing to notice the love that surrounds you. It was there all the time, but you didn’t see it, especially if it’s drowned out by the chaotic and exciting. There’s so much to enjoy in this production and all together, Extraordinary Women is a delight.
Extraordinary Woman plays at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 10th August. Tickets are on sale at: https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 25th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: