Review: BUYER & CELLAR, King’s Head Theatre

Photo credit: Genevieve Girling

Gay icons are synonymous with theatre. Think Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz and Patti LuPone in Gypsy. Quickly becoming a theatre fan favourite in their own right, Rob Madge stars in Buyer & Cellar, an almost send up to musical theatre and all round gay icon Barbra Streisand.

Buyer & Cellar tells the story of recently out of work actor Alex More (Madge) as he lands the ultimate dream job, well for most gay men anyway, working at a shopping mall in Barbra Streisand’s basement in Malibu. While the premise sounds far fetched and unrealistic, the mall is in fact real and is based upon Streisand’s book ‘My Passion For Design’, released in 2010.

Whilst elements of the story are real, we are immediately told that what plays out in front of us is a fictional exchange of conversations and scenarios between More and Streisand. The piece is told from More’s point of view only and is recalled to his screenwriter boyfriend Barry. Although we know this is a story of fiction, it’s hard not to buy into the believability of it all due to the remarkable writing of Jonathan Tolins and impressive acting of Rob Madge.

Tolins’ has devised a largely comedic script with punch lines at the forefront. The comedy is consistent throughout, only amplified by Madge’s delivery. The writing allows the character of Alex to fully develop over the course of the one act 100-minute play, with brief pieces of information touched upon at the start of the show being fully rounded by the end. Whilst the King’s Head Theatre seating isn’t the most comfortable for a one act straight-through piece, with nothing more than a chair and a book used throughout, direction by Kirk Jameson allows Madge to connect with the audience fully and ensures the pace never falters.

Throughout the show are references to Barbra, her songs and lifestyle which may go over the heads of those who aren’t die hard fans. However, as there is so much comedy in the piece, there is more than enough for the audience to hold onto and are quickly laughing again. Whilst the comedy takes centre stage, the writing also delves into the self doubt of the pair regarding friendships and relationships. The next laugh is never too far away though, keeping the show very much on brand.

Widely renowned as an outstanding musical theatre performer, Madge yet again proves why they are one of the best in the business in this one person play. Largely known due to their autobiographical shows such as My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) and Regards To Broadway, Buyer & Cellar is a reminder of just what they can do with a character.

Naturally a very funny person as demonstrated through their social media, you can see that Madge is bringing their own personality to the role with subtle nuances and side eye glances to the audience. With an abundance of material and seamlessly switching between their main character, embodying Streisand, as well as others, all with a variety of accents proving what a versatile talented performer they are. As such you almost forget the fictitious nature of the story entirely as Madge is utterly convincing and believable throughout. From meeting Streisand in the basement, giving her a ‘realistic’ shopping experience, to ultimately the demise of the ‘friendship’, Madge is effortless with their delivery.

Having grown up in a household with a mother who idolised Streisand, it seems fitting to have reviewed Buyer & Cellar. Throughout my childhood, we would refer to her as ‘Aunty Babs’ as if I knew her myself in a not so dissimilar vein to Alex More. Tolins’ has crafted a humorous play that we can all resonate with as I’m sure we all have an icon we have dreamt of spending time with. Madge puts in yet another stellar performance and really makes the piece what it is, almost as if it was written for them. The King’s Head Theatre basement might not be Streisand’s luxury shopping mall in Malibu but trust us, you’ll have equally as good of a time.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jordan Potts

Buyer & Cellar plays at the King’s Head Theatre until 19 October, with further info here.