Review: Marry Me A Little, Barn Theatre
Photo credit: Eve Dunlop
Marry Me A Little: a musical revue made up of the songs left on Stephen Sondheim’s cutting room floor. Fortunately for us, Craig Lucas and Norman René picked up those songs and created a quaint, charming and occasionally heartbreaking show. Set in two singletons’ apartments on a lonely Saturday night, we are guided through their dreams, fantasies and longings as they try to pass the time.
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending The Barn Theatre’s production of Marry Me A Little. This is the Barn’s second live production to open since lockdown, following the success of their first show Private Peaceful, which has recently announced a Bristol and West End transfer.
The close nature of the venue makes it feel as if you are a fly-on-the-wall in the two city flats. This gives the show an intimate fringe vibe, even with social distancing. And the genius set design by Gregor Donnelly transports you out of The Barn Theatre in the heart of the Cotswolds, straight to a small apartment in the middle of a big city.
The ‘split screen’ nature of the set gives the sense of how it feels to be alone in a big city; to be so close and yet so far. This was especially prominent during ‘Your Eyes Are Blue’. The two performers get so close to one another that you think they might touch, only for them to pass each other by. Director Kirk Jameson creates many moments like this in the show that are beautifully intricate.
Although Covid is never mentioned, the isolated nature of the two singletons is reminiscent of how many of us have lived our lives these past few months. How the masses have relied so heavily on technology to communicate with the outside world, trying desperately to stay relevant on social media. Technology plays a huge part in the show with a large screen at the back of the stage playing an important role. It gives us an insight into the lives of the two strangers, allowing the audience to snoop on their phone conversations.
The cast is very small with only two actors, Rob Houchen playing the role of ‘Man’ and Celinde Schoenmaker playing the role of ‘Woman’. They are accompanied on the piano by Arlene McNaught. Sondheim’s work is famously complicated and incredibly hard to sing, however Houchen and Schoenmaker are elite performers who tackle the intricate score effortlessly and never miss a beat.
Houchen’s acting ability shines through showing the audience a vulnerable side in his rendition of ‘Silly People’, whilst showing his cheeky side as he serenades an umbrella, dancing like Fred Astaire during ‘A Moment With You’. Schoenmaker’s voice gave my shivers every time she opened her mouth and her performance of the title song was simply breathtaking. I must also mention McNaught who may go unseen throughout the show but her skills on the piano cannot be denied.
A shout out must be given to The Barn Theatre who have been an absolute godsend throughout lockdown with Barn Digital providing entertainment throughout these challenging times, going above and beyond to get live theatre back up and running.
Marry Me A Little runs until Sunday 8 November. To book tickets, please click here.
**** 4 stars
Reviewed by: Elle Knowles
