The triumphant round of applause was greatly deserved for everyone involved in reopening the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry last night. And that not only goes to the cast and creatives behind April In Paris, but also extends to the Front Of House staff, the Media team, and the venue staff. Thank you for helping to make the experience as easy and safe as it could possibly be.

Looking to the show, the sentiments of the director and producer Richard Lewis should be echoed who, before the performance began, spoke a few words. To paraphrase; "Tonight isn't just about April in Paris, it's about retiring to live theatre, and sharing our experience once again". He's completely right. To be able to share an auditorium, to share a story, to share laughter even with a less than 40% capacity audience was joyful.

We open on married couple, Al and Bet, played by Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw respectively. Neither of them are particularly happy, stuck at home with a limited social life. When one day, Bet wins a competition. Her prize - a night in Paris! Al, hesitant at first, goes along with Bet to find that he actually has a great time. And when they return, they are happier together and already entering more competitions, together this time. The story is relatively simple, there are no big set pieces, it's all about the performance...

And what wonderful performances there are. Pasquale and Earnshaw ensure the time flies by and they provide the audience with exactly what they need: a simple, entertaining and comedic hour about a couple reconnecting after ages spent stuck inside... Sound familiar?

It's amazing how the pandemic has changed the perspective on how we view stories. Suddenly we *all* have an experience to relate to as an audience. Regardless of age, or circumstance. So when characters talk about being stuck inside for months and finally being able to go out, we can all relate. We can all laugh and we can all empathise with the characters in front of us a little more. And the production is all the better for it.

As for the social distancing and face mask requirements in place, it doesn't take away from your enjoyment of the performance whatsoever. Within five minutes, you're engrossed in the welcoming performances of Pasquale and Earnshaw and it’s solely about the magic of being back in a theatre again.

To every single one of you reading this, we can't wait to see you in auditoriums across the country for shows large and small, musicals, straight plays, and everything in-between.

Welcome home. "Break a leg!"

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

April in Paris plays at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry until 19 May before embarking on its UK tour. For more information, please click here.