REVIEW | Amélie The Musical, Criterion Theatre.
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| Photo Credit: Pamela Raith |
Amélie The Musical
Criterion Theatre, London
★★★★★
Back in 2019, a new musical surfaced in the Watermill Theatre that went on to have a critically acclaimed and sell-out tour, a Grammy nomination and 3 Olivier Award nominations under its belt. Now the magnifique Amélie the Musical has arrived in the heart of the West End at the Criterion Theatre for a limited run. Although quite different in comparison to the much-loved five-time Oscar-nominated film, the epically talented cast of actor-musicians bring it to life in superb style.
Amélie is the story of an astonishing young woman who moves along quietly amongst the world but lives loudly within her mind. She secretly improvises small, but extraordinary acts of kindness that bring happiness to those around her. However, a chance of love falls at her feet and Amélie realises that if she is to find her own contentment she’ll have to risk everything and vocalise what’s truly in her heart.
This inspiring new production has come on leaps and bounds since its beginning in 2019. It takes on impeccable storytelling and fantastic French-esque accents from the actors and an unforgettable music score that really warms your heart from start to finish. For those who are seeing Amélie for the first time, this production does an excellent job of telling you the story without being overwhelmed with different sub-plots and ideas that some musicals have. Although there are some really pensive and mind-boggling moments, Amélie definitely delivers in its impeccable injection of humour too. The story is very tight, although understandably difficult for new audiences to grasp, but with the help of actor-musicians live on stage it has a fantastic pace to it. Amélie is a production that is mainly sung and has little narrative without losing the attention of the audience. The music is a delight and a definitive strong element of the production, The Flight of the Blue Fly, When The Booth Goes Bright and Times Are Hard for Dreamers are particular moments when we see this cast flourish on that stage.
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| Photo Credit: Pamela Raith |
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| Photo Credit: Pamela Raith |
The 16 actor-musicians fill the stage with their exceptional musical talent as well as acting – some of which double up in roles throughout the production too! A lot of them also stay on the stage for long periods of time and there is no time when the performance level dips.
At the helm of this show and taking on the title role as Amélie is the gorgeous Audrey Brisson. She really embodies the quirkiness and curiosity of Amélie’s characteristics. She has a gorgeous tone to her voice that really draws you in, shown perfectly in Times Are Hard for Dreamers and Stay. Her vocal ability fills the intimate auditorium and there’s a real movement style that she integrates into the music that gives her so much more fulfilment than your usual leading lady.
Alongside her is Chris Jared as Nino Quincampoix. Nino’s character is very gentle and reserved and I really enjoyed how Jared captured this in his own way. Jared and Brisson have made these leading roles their own over time and do it in unforgettable style. Their chemistry with one another at the conclusion is so powerful.
The entire show is a fantastic collective of what can be achieved from a new musical and why the show deserves its place on the West End platform. Its presentation in lighting and set is not to be missed either. Madeleine Girling is an incredibly talented set designer who has generated a set that is more than just the backdrop. The pianos become fantastic tools for visual shortcuts between different scenes in the story and I was amazed by the practicality of what Girling had created. The transition to Amélie’s apartment delivered quite the wow factor too! Giving it warmth is gorgeous lighting as well and it aligns well with the tempo of the atmosphere too.
If you haven’t got a ticket for Amélie, I don’t know what you are waiting for. It is marvellous and delivers what we all need right now; joy and a rekindling of hope after such a tough year. It is the warmest hug in the theatre you’ll get your arms around right now.