Review: CAKE: THE MARIE ANTOINETTE PLAYLIST, Norwich Playhouse - Tour
Norwich Playhouse is currently hosting the final week of CAKE: The Marie Antoinette PLAYlist. This show may be short in length but it packs so much punch, you will be delighted from the opening sequence.
The story centres around the French queen being implicated in a crime of diamond theft, and is told through dance, spoken word and song by a small company who are slick, cohesive and clearly demonstrate a real passion for this story. There is little to see when it comes to set or costumes, however with some exceptional lighting sequences and a stellar cast, in this case less really is more.
The central character of Marie Antionette, played by the flawless Zizi Strallen, is the sort of character you think you should detest, but actually you instantly warm to her, despite her opening solo focusing on taking taxpayers money to pay for her beauty. She is unapologetically herself and for this, is the most endearing character on stage.
Renée Lamb plays Jeanne, the complete opposite characteristically, who goes through the emotional turmoil of wanting the Queen to face her comeuppance but not finding the victory all too sweet. Renee is the narrator of the piece, who naturally engages with the audience, deftly moving between narration and song, both of which hold the story together. A natural storyteller, Renee is at the very heart of this story.
Renée and Zizi’s chemistry on stage is so synergetic and they bounce off each other incredibly well. Their bond is very akin to that of a Glinda and Elphaba Wicked pairing, and they both have vocal opportunities to show off their solo talents individually, as well as combined.
The accompanying cast must all be commended, in particular Travis Ross in the role of the Cardinal, who emulates a superb French cardinal, flirting hilariously with our central character and the audience throughout.
The script is funnier than expected, with some really clever moments of breaking the fourth wall, which again is a clever technique adopted by the company that somehow makes the audience feel more connected to the performance. The plot also pokes fun at the disparities between royalty and the working class in ways that are as relevant today as they were then, making this a really timeless piece of performance.
CAKE emulates characteristics which can be found in some of our most loved musicals, namely Wicked, Hamilton and Six all sprIng to mind, whether this is through style, character or performance technique, which is exceptionally clever. But whilst hints of other musical greats spring to mind, this is a musical with a big identity all of its own. This is a story about women, about the complexities of friendship, jealousy, competition, loyalty and honour, taking on big themes in a mega-mix of a performance that we could easily sit through again.
For a development project, this is an exceptional delivery of how musicals can combine multiple disciplines and interweave them seamlessly, to tell a clever and engaging story in a funny way, because that’s exactly what CAKE has done. Much like it’s sweet name suggests, CAKE is full of flavour, evokes happiness and leaves you wanting more!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Lauren Farley
CAKE plays at Norwich Playhouse until 29 April, with further information here.