La Cage Aux Folles

Jan 11 2008 by Philip Fisher, Western Mail

menier chocolate factory, london

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philip fisher

LA Cage Aux Folles offers two very different attractions.

For some, it is an opportunity to spend 2½ hours watching high quality drag acts. Others will prefer the comedy of manners and gender politics that is the excuse for the glitz.

It seemed as if the Menier’s Christmas musical would never happen. The opening night was twice postponed, due to the indisposition of leading actor, Guys and Dolls and screen star Douglas Hodge.

The theatre has become a producing powerhouse with three West End transfers. Even better, their Broadway debut of Sunday in the Park with George is about to open.

The big question was whether this modern classic could hit the same heights?

Terry Johnson’s new production gives Hodge the belated chance to compete with the excellent Michael Ball from Hairspray as the best transvestite on the London stage. Despite a singing voice that is still weak, there are moments when he might shade the battle of the drag men.

The story of La Cage Aux Folles, written by Harvey Fierstein in the English version, will be familiar. It is set in a gay nightclub in St Tropez run by Georges, played by Philip Quast, recently seen playing Juan Peron. He sings better than anyone and runs the show.

Georges’ “wife” is Hodge’s Albin, otherwise known as Zsa Zsa. He/she is the star of the show at the club that gives this evening its title. Unfortunately, Albin is dreadfully temperamental, which is not good news for the couple’s son, Jean-Michel, Neil McDermott.

The lad has fallen in love with, of all things, a woman. This would be bad enough but in order to seal the marriage and get the dowry, her parents wish to meet his. When it is decided to pass Albin off as a man, the ensuing deportment lesson shows off Douglas Hodge at his comic best. Eventually, though, he inevitably plays mother for the prospective in-laws. Iain Mitchell’s weak but terrifying M. Dindon is Deputy General of the Tradition, Morality and Family party, which is committed to clearing up the town’s gay community; his more sympathetic wife, a posh Una Stubbs a long way from Worzel Gummidge.

All comes right in the end with a comic final scene in which practically everyone becomes part of the show, much to the delight of the audience.

The best parts of this evening are the visuals. David Farley’s design is big on colourful curtains but also camp atmosphere. He is aided by Matthew Wright’s bright, glittery costumes that show off the charms of a lot of well-shaven men.

The choreography by Lynne Page is outstanding both when the main group of six gorgeous dancers (including one rogue woman) are in acrobatic action but also more quietly in soft show shuffles featuring the leading men.

The singing is energetic though not always fantastic and Jerry (Hello Dolly) Herman’s appropriately Gallic music has some high points, notably in the title song and the proudly definitive I Am What I Am. Hodge and Quast make a good couple, ensuring that the comedy comes over loud and clear and achieving a few tender moments. In support, Jason Pennycooke as Jacob the butler turned maid is as good as anyone.

It must be a relief to all concerned that La Cage Aux Folles has finally opened. There must also be a fair chance that the producers will seek a transfer to one of the smaller West End theatres before too long.

The show runs until March 8. The box office number is 0207 907 7060