Gypsy: The Musical

The Sound Ideas Theatre company’s Gypsy was entirely breath taking and incredible to see, for only a theatre half full, they deserved it to be sold out every night.

Gypsy: The Musical Fable opened last night at The Playhouse. The Sound Ideas Theatre company’s ‘amateur’ performance left for nothing else to be desired. Opening with a handful of kids at a talent show set during the 1920s, the child actors performed perfectly, without missing a beat or pulling you from the show.

The costumes were made perfectly with the lead, Rose (Holly Graham), in a powder green dress and brown belt fitting of the time. Throughout the show, as time moved forward to the 1930’s the costumes followed along. Sometimes with amateur performances the costumes can seem fake or lacking where funds restrict. But, The Sound Ideas Theatre Company stopped at nothing to have a wide range of gorgeous outfits, particularly for Louise (Nina Taylor), later Gypsy Rose Lee, in sequenced dresses and accessories.

A particular stand out moment from the show has to be how they portrayed the kids growing up. They used flashing lights at increasing speeds making it almost feel slow motion during a dance from some of the kids and then the older versions took the stage. This powerful transition was greeted with a huge round of applause and left me in wonder.

A big star of the show has to be the live orchestra, bigger than some touring West End shows nowadays. These talented musicians during the show played multiple instruments and played flawlessly.

The older cast were insanely talented with chilling harmonies from Louise (Nina Taylor) and June (Emily Sidnell) who made my hairs stand on edge, mesmerising tap dancing from Tulsa (Alex Green), more dance and ballet. Not to mention, the enchanting acting skills from all the actors that pulled you into the story. Especially, Rose (Holly Graham) blew me away. During her realisation that everyone in her life slowly leaves her, Holly cleverly made her hands shake that pulled on everyone’s heart strings.

The finale of Holly singing Rose’s Turn was incredibly breathtaking that I feel she performed better than the most recent cast recording from Broadway. During this song, the curtains revealed a huge ‘ROSE’ sign that led to a well-deserved standing ovation.

The Sound Ideas Theatre company’s Gypsy was entirely breathtaking and incredible to see, for only a theatre half full, they deserved it to be sold out every night. It is a must see!