Frank’s Closet, Union Theatre Review

Reviews

14 Mar

`Frank’s Closet production image. Photo by Danny Kaan`

Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Cult musical Frank’s Closet has returned to the London stage, calling the Union Theatre in Southwark its’ home for a limited time only. Expect glamour, confetti, and lots of witty comments throughout an extremely dazzling two hours. Frank’s Closet is the story of Frank (Andy Moss) who is getting prepared to marry Alan… at a cost. Alan wants him to give up his stunning collection of dresses that have been worn by well loved superstars from years gone by to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Frank enters the magical world within his closet, where the divas visit him and deliver advice with the help of a quartet of Gaiety Girls.

Frank’s Closet is undeniably fun from start to finish. We are treated to a pre show performance in the Union Theatre bar by the wonderful Sheila Blige (Paul Toulson). Dressed to the nines in leopard print, heels and plenty of blush, Sheila’s performance is naughty but nice with lots of innuendos sprinkled throughout. We are then ushered into the theatre, transformed into a cartoonish Moulin Rouge-esque frilly and fabulous set, designed by Catherine Phelps. We are introduced to Frank, and the Gaiety Girls (Jack Rose, Sarah Freer, Olivia McBride and Oliver Bradley-Taylor), who high kick and sashay throughout the show – and an interval performance alongside Sheila - as Frank mulls over getting rid of his beloved dresses. Luke Farrugia’s ‘Diva’ comes and goes as many superstars from years gone by.

On the surface, Frank’s Closet is very fun. Glitz, glamour, innuendos galore. But I do think it requires some ironing out, to truly show the love that has been poured into the production of the show and to ensure coherence throughout. Sheila’s pre show performance is fun and really gets the audience going, which is obviously fantastic and all in the name of fun, but I’m not entirely clear what this has to do with the show at all. Maybe this is the point, but that does disjoint things slightly. We don’t learn too much about Frank – the mystery is fine! – but it would have been good to know why he was so keen to marry Alan that he was willing to give up his prize possessions. Andy Moss’ portrayal of Frank is great throughout, and fun to watch.

Luke Farrugia plays our ‘Diva’, our star and our chief advice provider. Farrugia plays Judy Garland (of course) and Dusty Springfield, as well as Julie Andrews and Agnetha from Abba. Farrugia arguably does steal the show with these moments, providing lots of laughter throughout the show. PVC nun outfit anyone? Our Gaiety Girls put on a fabulous show, keeping the energy levels up throughout and busting some incredibly impressive move given the small theatre space.

Sounding was problematic throughout Act One, which I also found when I saw Sin! at the Union Theatre. During Frank’s Closet, the piano was very loud, drowning out a lot of the singing. I found this did improve marginally in Act Two, but it was still a hindrance throughout Act One.

Frank’s Closet is nothing new, having been performed at the likes of Wilton’s Music Hall and Hoxton Hall before landing in the Union Theatre. A lot of love has clearly gone into the creation, which is fifteen years in the making, and the concept is actually good. The ambition is there, we just need a few tweaks here and there to be truly amazing.