Review: FATAL ATTRACTION, Theatre Royal Brighton (UK tour)
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Based on the 1987 hit Hollywood movie of the same name, Fatal Attraction brings to theatre audiences the thrilling story of ‘happily married’ Dan Gallagher’s weekend affair with beautiful Alex Forrest, which takes a turn for the psychotic when Alex’s obsession threatens to ruin Dan and the life and family he has built.
Stepping into Glenn Close’s iconic role is Coronation Street alum Kym Marsh who definitely flexes her seasoned acting chops in this rollercoaster of a role, taking the seductive and unhinged nature of the character out of the big screen and onto the stage with poignant ease. Marsh’s Alex comes off as almost sympathetic in her insanity and certainly will not be ignored...
While this show is very entertaining, it doesn’t quite bring the thrill and energy of the original. Some different directorial choices could have elevated the show and the multitude of monologues given by Oliver Farnworth’s Dan seem to act as a distraction for set changes happening in the background. It would have been great to see these as part of the story rather than simply being told. However, the creative team make interesting use of the show’s very simple staging, using projections and simple props to expand Dan and Alex’s world.
This is definitely not a show to take the entire family to, with various scenes being somewhat uncomfortable. However, for die hard fans of the original Fatal Attraction, we always recommend giving adaptations a go and seeing if they live up to the hype. But be warned for anybody not too familiar with the movie (guilty as charged), you may be left a little confused at the multiple inside jokes leaving fans chuckling to themselves with foreshadowing delight but don’t worry, no animals are harmed in making of this show…
So Besties, get yourselves down to your local theatre and catch this touring production of Fatal Attraction while you can!
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Natalie Pedro
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