Love Story, Fringe 2013, Review

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Rating (out of 5)
4
Show info
Company
Norfolk Youth Theatre
Production
Adrian Connell (Music and Stage Direction)
Performers
Eloise Hare (Jenny), Will Arundell (Oliver), Emily Stanghan (Phil), Dan Herman (Father), Emma Hume (Mother)
Running time
85mins

One good reason for returning to shows produced by this company is down to the quality of both the young cast but also the tight direction provided by Adrian Connell.

‘Love Story’ is a musical version of the iconic film written by Erich Segal and is a delight in terms of the relationship portrayed by two exceptional talents in Will Arundell and Eloise Hare.

The production hinges on the credibility of these young actors and they come up trumps. Eloise has all the qualities of the leading lady switching from feisty to tender to portraying the sick young woman.

As a musical it is poignant and wistful rather than having memorable songs with the famous theme song as an instrumental piece. The songs fall inevitably to the golden couple and they perform them with a great deal of feeling although occasionally lyrics are lost in the high ceiling of this venue.

Although dominated by the principals, there is an excellent performance from Emily Stangham as Jennifer’s mother.

The story of the rich boy meeting and marrying the girl from a different background in defiance of his family still plays well and the story despite the well-known ending hold the audience’s attention.

The show has some strong language, but is suitable for teenagers and older. There was some spare capacity and you might have a chance of seeing some young actors on the way to a career in the theatre.

Runs til 10th Aug, 3.55pm