Review: Jeannie at Finborough Theatre

Jeannie is a little gem of a production, that will leave you with an uplifted spirit. It’s the perfect treat for a night out in these days leading up to Christmas.

Jeannie by Aimee Stuart is a 1930s take on Cinderella. Jeannie, the protagonist (played by Mairi Hawthorn) is a strong, stubborn character who has been living her life for her father. When he dies, she inherits a little fortune, and decides to travel the world and to make her dream come true: listening to the Blue Danube in Vienna. On the way there,  she meets two men: a count, and the inventor of the washing machine. The count embodies the traditional type of prince charming: aristocratic, with great manner and courtship skills, though more interested in Jeannie’s money than in her. The other, Stanley, is a modern man, who used his brain to invent the object of every woman’s desire: the washing machine. He’s interested in Jeannie because of her strong will, determination and independence.

This revival of Stuart’s West End hit makes you wonder why plays like this are not produced more often. The writing is witty and entertaining, and it feels modern, despite being written in the 1930s. The many set changes required by the story are seamless, thanks to the clever set design by James Helps, that with few object and well constructed set pieces is able to move the action from Scotland to Vienna and back.

The whole cast gives a solid performance. Mairi Hawthorn is able to portray a very strong, stubborn character, while letting the audience sense her fears, insecurities and flaws. Hawthorn is committed to every second, letting her character speak through every movement and pause. Matthew Mellalieu is charming as Stanley. With his craft, he’s able to bring the audience on his side from the very beginning. He unfolds his feelings slowly, and as he falls in love with Jeannie, we can’t help but do the same. Patrick Pearson is able to be funny and charming as the Count, proving to be a very talented actor. The play flows effortlessly thanks also to all the supporting cast (Evelyn Adams, Max Alexander-Taylor, Kim Durham, Carol Holt, Madeleine Hutchins), who are able to shine when they need to, but also to support the leading actors in telling the story.

Director Nicolette Kay has been able to put together a production that is entertaining and makes you think at how society has evolved from the 1930s to today.  She has managed to create a good ensamble, and to let the story come alive on stage.

Overall, Jeannie is a little gem of a production, that will leave you with an uplifted spirit. It’s the perfect treat for a night out in these days leading up to Christmas, and I hope 2019 will bring more productions like this on London’s theatre scene.

 

Where: Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 9ED

Book online at Finborough Theatre (No booking fees on online, personal or postal bookings)

Box Office 01223 357851. (Calls are free. There will be a 5% booking fee.) Lines are open Monday–Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm

 

When: Tuesday, 27 November – Saturday, 22 December 2018

Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3.00pm.

Prices:

Prices until 9 December 2018– Tickets £18, £16 concessions, except Tuesday evenings £16 all seats, and Friday and Saturday evenings £18 all seats. Previews (27 and 28 November) £14 all seats.
£10 tickets for Under 30s for performances from Tuesday to Sunday of the first week when booked online only.
£14 tickets for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on Saturday, 1 December 2018 when booked online only.

Prices from 11 December 2018 – Tickets £20, £18 concessions, except Tuesday evenings £18 all seats, and Friday and Saturday evenings £20 all seats.

Performance Length: Approximately two hours with one interval of fifteen minutes.