1920’s Tuscany, Mussolini and the Church hold overwhelming authority and in the mix lives two sisters, their movie studio and their big dreams for the future. Screenwriter Clarice (Réka Jónás) is a well sought after, independent woman. Her 43 previous suitors have never quite lived up to her and her father’s standard- or more appropriately haven’t lived as they all died in their heroic demonstrations to deem themselves worthy.
An unsuspecting 44th suitor tumbles on stage, clownish and down to earth ‘Julian’ (Dan Smith). A ‘fabulist’ or as more often known be a ‘magician’ who is being hunted by the church for fears of the Occult. Julian’s presence alters the course of the play as the question of magic vs science stirs our characters who believe themselves to be logical and marry for benefit rather than romance. Clarice being the odd one out of course finds Julian thrilling and wonderful, Julian finds her beautiful in return and so our conflict begins in proving himself as the 44th and final suitor.
To compare, Cassandra (Lily De La Haye) is the director of the company and very much the logical and strategic sister. Her feelings on love and romance are very mature and she would rather pour herself into her work rather than waste time on a partner. That is until Pupuppini (Constantine Andronikou) teases her out of her rigidness and encourages her to allow someone in.
This show is based originally on ‘The Imaginary Astrologer’ which was said to be Catherine The Great’s favourite Opera. Much shorter at the time and impressive composition, James P Farewell has developed this story into a full length rom-com, with a beautiful score.
Although the purpose is to follow Clarice and Julian on their struggle to justify their love, the real interesting love story is between the sisters. Fiery and fiercely independent in this patriarchal environment, they combat aggressive views whilst also still holding onto teenage angst against each other. Their relationship was strong and comforting and it transcended their individual romances. For me, it was hard to keep my eyes off them- I wanted to know more and see more of them together.
Only but high praises of the sisters, their skills in both acting and singing are phenomenal.
Unfortunately the dynamic between romantic partners fell a little flat. I’m not sure whether this is chalked up to a slightly old fashioned context of ‘marry at first sight’ or whether it was their chemistry. Perhaps the sister’s having such a close bond left gaps for other relationships to run slightly untruthful.
The orchestra performed beautifully (arranged by Bobby Goulder), you wouldn’t think they consisted of only (I believe) 3 members for such a big sound. The sound in this space will definitely take you by surprise in how well rounded and high powered it was.
I really enjoyed this as someone who is less likely to book Opera, it felt like an easy access into the world of this high drama and I left very impressed. Although I didn’t quite believe the romance, the piece did showcase very well different kinds of love in this very obscure narrative that magic and science are in debate.
Reviewer: Alice Rose
Reviewed: 20th August 2024
North West End UK Rating:
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