Funny Girl, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review with pictures

Not only following the footsteps of superstar Barbara Streisand in the movie version of Funny Girl, but also on stage in those of one of the nation’s favourite actresses, Sheridan Smith, Natasha needed to take this role aby the scruff of its neck and put her very own stamp on it. If fact, apparently, Miss Smith told Natasha to “make the role her own” and Natasha certainly took her advice and did just that. No more comparisons; this is completely Natasha’s own interpretation.

Funny Girl is a rollercoaster ride of tears and laughter. While Fanny’s stage persona was a riot, her beaming smile hid drama in her personal life, largely as a result of her tempestuous marriage to millionaire Nick Arnstein, Fanny was the ultimate clown; hilariously happy and funny on stage, while off stage she struggled to keep her marriage together and her husband happy, unfortunately often stepping over the mark and unintentionally making him feel inferior to her fame.

The musical presents snapshots of Fanny’s life, starting as an enthusiastic but ungainly teenager in Vaudeville, through to meeting the love of her life, their marriage and the eventual demise of their relationship as Fanny’s career soars, while Nick’s gambling lifestyle hits streak after streak of bad luck.

Natasha Barnes offers a stunning portrayal as Fanny, with an exceptional vocal performance, great comic timing and the perfect connection with her audience. No more West End understudy roles for Natasha; she is without doubt a star.

Darius Campbell is perfectly cast as Nick Arnstein. The ladies in the audience swoon at his suave, sophisticated portrayal and outstanding vocal performance, while the gentlemen just want to be him. The chemistry between Barnes and Campbell is good, although maybe that tiny spark of absolute magic was missing at times.

Understudy Nova Skipp stepped in at this performance as Mrs Brice and was the perfect Jewish mama, sharp witted and unstoppable and together with her pals, Myra Sands as Mrs Strakosh and Zoe Ann Brown as Mrs Meeker, the three ladies are a delight at each and every entrance.

Joshua Lay as Eddie shines in his role, as well as treating the audience to his superb tap dancing skills and the talented ensemble offer extremely strong support to this already exceptional musical.

The Ziegfield production numbers are stunning, complete with a line of beautiful dancers, and all the totally over the top showbiz sparkles, spangles and sequins you would hope for, while the scene changes and movement of props are slick and unobtrusive.

Don’t Rain on My Parade is without doubt one of the most notorious showstoppers in musical theatre and you could feel the anticipation in the audience as the end of Act One approached and they waited with baited breath for Miss Barnes to impress. No disappointment there then, as she completely brought the house down! Clear as crystal vocals, bursting with passion and energy and leaving you with the feeling that she means every single word!

The score of the this show also includes the highly emotional ballad, People, which once again Natasha Barnes performed with heartfelt emotion and sincerity, and although these are the stand out songs, the rest of Jule Styne and Bob Merrill’s score is still entertaining and memorable and executed by an outstanding orchestra under the instruction of Ben Van Tienen.

The finale is the perfect way to end such an emotional, showbiz tale and is guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine.

Natasha Barnes is no doubt the “Funny Girl”, but the whole of this cast certainly matches up to her talents. All in all, a superb evening’s entertainment.

Runs until Saturday. Visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212 for tickets.