Review: ASPECTS OF LOVE, Lyric Theatre
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Well Besties, this is a mixed bag: with a mighty cast, stellar orchestra and emotive lyrics, the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is back…
Now, let’s just rip off the plaster. There is no getting around it; the storyline is totally bonkers. Hoping to show all ‘aspects of love’, the plot follows struggling stage star Rose Vibert, and her relationship with an Uncle, George and his Nephew, Alex. We follow their bed-hopping shenanigans as they embark on a love pentagon spanning 20 years. Everyone involved is consenting and of age but the manner in which characters swap partners has the farcical ring of a ‘Carry On’ movie to it.
Given the play was already tweaked a little, there does seem to have been a missed opportunity to make further adaptations to remove the predatory nature of some of the relationships, in particular the one between Alex and his young cousin, which did not sit entirely well with the audience. A huge thorn in Aspects’ side.
However, whilst the themes may not land quite as well in 2023 as they did when the original adaptation of Garnett’s novella was written in the 80s, if you are able to settle into the sing-song narrative, and boundary-free rhythm of the show, you are rewarded with a sublime cast and breathtaking orchestra. John Macfarlane’s set design helps quickly set the mood, as we are transported to Paris, Venice and Provence.
The musical has been rewritten by Don Black and Charles Hart so the powerhouse that is Michael Ball can belt out the song he’s best known for. We’ve all heard the anthem ‘Love Changes Everything’ hundreds of times, but sung with a reminiscent slant here, it is like hearing it for the first time. It really is a moment.
He has many moments - whenever the mighty Ball is on stage, you can’t help but be drawn to him. As the wealthy, cheeky Uncle, he shows how effortlessly one can move from emotional and tender, to funny and impish. It is an absolute joy to witness him at work.
Jamie Bogyo is strong and convincing as Alex Dillingham, playing ‘besotted’ perfectly. The duet ‘Seeing Is Believing’ with the treacle-toned Laura Pitt-Pulford really showcases their amazing range. Pitt-Pulford wears Rose effortlessly well, convincing us entirely of the reasons why men are falling at her feet.
The other two points of the relationship star are the underused Danielle De Niese’s Giuletta and the innocent Anna Unwin’s Jenny, with one to watch in Katie Mitten as young Jenny.
Punctuated with some funny moments, this story of love and heartache across three generations feels very of its time. If you can enjoy it as such, then you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely spectacular rendition of ‘Love Changes Everything’ whilst taking comfort in the fact that we’ve all moved on.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier
Aspects of Love plays at the Lyric Theatre until 11 November, with tickets available here.