Why isn’t Sondheim’s Company performed more?
Its satirical look at marriage through the eyes of rakish bachelor Robert/Bobby (Matthew Ronchetti) is both uplifting and uncomfortable at times but it is also thigh-slappingly funny. Perhaps it’s finding a large cast as talented as Showstoppers which presents the challenge?
Director Alexis Forss is a genius. The characters were well constructed and the dialogue flowed naturally, with the humour brought to fore in subtle expression and poise, but also over-the-top comedy, yet it never overstepped the mark to become predictable or unbelievable. Musical director Jake Snowdon and choreographer Ade Gbinigie made the impossible space and difficult score look effortless.
There were some superb performances – Marta (Liberty Buckland) sang like an angel, in complete contrast to her zany character, and Amy (Jenny Deacon) gave such a neurotic, sectionable performance that she should probably be committed. If you need a laugh, get out and see Company.
Rebecca Case
