Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Riverside Studios, London
Cast: Edith Vernes, Che Walker, Paul Hegarty, Josie Benson, Reece Richardson and Suzy Kohane
Basingstoke, 1977. Director Simon Monk thinks his musical adaptation of the classic French play Phedre will be his come-back ticket to England. Jacqueline Bremont, a French theatre diva, has decided that it will be the role of her life. But there are just a few minor details to iron out: she can’t sing, she can’t dance, and Simon has no intention of casting her. Can the show survive a cavalcade of rampaging egos, romantic entanglements and linguistic lapses? Bonne chance!
From the acclaimed writer of La Cage Aux Folles, French Toast is a jam packed, immersive and comedic adaptation that weaves light hearted humor into an impactful and unique story.
We begin our journey backstage at a theatre in France, 1977 - a play within a play, meeting some of our main characters. As the story begins, we meet Simon, a director who is spirited and quite desperate to make his comeback in England. Through a bout of miscommunication, Simon believes he has agreed to receive funding for his show from one Miss Jacqueline Bremont, an old flame.
Unfortunately for Simon, Jacqueline has already been promised the role of the main character of ‘Phedre’ in Simon’s musical adaptation. Simon has his doubts that Jacqueline will be able to dance or sing, nonetheless do them simultaneously. As Jacqueline hands over the funds for Simon’s show, he knows he has no choice but to accept them in order to achieve the success he has hoped for in England. And thus, our story begins - Jacqueline leaves France for her big English debut, in world renowned Basingstoke.
When we arrive in Basingstoke, we meet the hilarious cast of characters that bring ‘Phedre’ to life - Kate, Nicky, Faye and Geoffrey. While Faye and Geoffrey have been hand picked by Jacqueline, Nicky is far from the type of performer Jacqueline would hand pick. However, he brings the originality that director Simon is looking for. Kate is another one of Simon’s picks and proves to be the glue that holds much of the choreography together in their production of ‘Phedre’.
As expected, Jacqueline is not exactly well suited to being the main character of a musical - constantly attempting to add elements of drama and tragedy - it’s what she knows best after all!
The cast of French Toast really hit the ground running once they all arrive in Basingstoke. The audience was constantly chuckling from this point forward. The actors playing actors truly are such a fantastic bunch, bringing so many personalities to the stage in a beautifully comical blend. There were elements of each character that were genuinely impressive, but the two standout characters in my opinion are Edith Vernes as Jacqueline and Josie Benson as Faye.
This fantastic production will be at Riverside Studios in London until 26 October. Buy your tickets now for a feel good, immersive theatre experience that is chock full of fantastic one-liners that will have you smiling until your cheeks ache!
You can buy tickets to French Toast, here.
Review by Miranda
**photo credit: Lidia Crisafulli**
No comments