Summoning Sondheim, Seven Dials Playhouse Review

Reviewed by Emily D for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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When you think of Stephen Sondheim, you picture complex melodies, intriguing characters, and twisty plot lines. Summoning Sondheim captures all these iconic elements of a classic Sondheim musical while diving into the much-debated topic of how women are perceived and succeed in the theatre industry.

Grace O’Keefe and Jordana Belaiche bring a hilarious, intricate, and unique new musical to life, combining songs and stories we all know and love (or sometimes love to hate) but with a fresh, original twist. This two-hander is a love letter to Sondheim as they attempt to summon him from the afterlife to help them write a new musical. As two women grappling with the industry, they believe it’s the only way they’ll create something worth watching.

Grace O’Keefe’s wild, enthusiastic, slightly unsettling character embodies the stereotype of a “musical theatre nerd,” pouring her heart, soul, and body into Sondheim’s legacy. She leads the story from start to finish, inviting the audience along as she discovers her own talents, laughing at her naivety, and sighing at her boundless hope and optimism.

Belaiche brilliantly multi-roles between characters, especially as a medium who channels various underworld personas. Her recurring motifs and catchphrases keep the audience in fits of laughter, with her timing and nuances hitting perfectly just when the play needs a comedic lift. The contrast in her physicality and voice between roles makes each character all the more entertaining, creating an inside joke with the audience as they recognize her transformations.

The original music, though not as polished or complex as Sondheim classics like Into the Woods or Sweeney Todd, is nonetheless lively and engaging, balancing technical skill with storytelling to keep the audience laughing and tapping their feet.

Director Bel Parker’s choice to weave in audience participation is highly effective, drawing the audience into the soul of the piece. From the moment they step into the space, the audience feels like they’re part of a magical séance, set to resurrect the legends of musical theatre. Dim, colourful lights, candles, and Sondheim quotes strung on ribbons creates an enchanting atmosphere that signals a performance not meant to be taken too seriously.

Summoning Sondheim is an ambitious, sharp, and outrageously funny piece of theatre that entices musical lovers. Blending humour with a thoughtful exploration of what it means to make art as a woman, it leaves the audience laughing, reflecting on their own ambitions, and inspired by the thrill of creating.

At Seven Dials Playhouse until 2 Nov

★★★★