Pippin

The intimacy of the Menier Factory certainly adds to the atmosphere Pippin. It is certainly a fantastic venue and this configuration that makes you feel part of the show rather than just the audience. The scene is set with green lights on the concrete walls making them come alive.The music reaches a crescendo and the lights incredibly bright; you don't see the cast members join the stage they appear just like magic. Matt Rawle as the Narrator is Exgtremely charismatic Harry Hepple excellent as the vulnerable hero. Ian Kelsey as Charlamagne would have had a song in the original staging of this musical but that song was omitted. There is a addition of a song Bosom of Family which was a great if not short song and first appeared in an earlier revival of Pippin. The remaining ensemble cast have such expressive faces and flexibility bordering on the hypnotic. The role of Berthe, Pippin's Grandmother, has been shared by various actresses during the run and the performances I have seen have been Gay Soper, Louise Gold 3 times including the closing night and Josie Lawrence (missing Caroline Quentin at the very start) all had their individual ways of handling their versions of her all thoroughly enjoyable. It is just one song,in just one scene but utterly entertaining where the audience gets to join in as the fourth wall is broken in a pantomime style but I was quite happy to get involved. Harry's interaction is adorable just like your Nan still makes a fuss of you like you still litle even though you are now all grown up. The following graphics and accompanying music all further draw you in ; in the second half Carly Bawden as Catherine has more of a featured role as does Stuart Neal as Theo ( Catherine's son). Carly's melodic voice has two solos and a duet with Harry which are both emotional. Stuart Chet Walker the choreographer recreates Bob Fosse's vision have got the edge with simple but effective costumes which work incredibly well. Its all superbly performed and sung, the musicians tucked away above and unseen are all brilliant;Pippin was the first production I saw at the Menier and I couldn't have asked for a better one. It would be fantastic to see it transfer but sadly it has come to an end and the magnificent performances lost forever. I have bought the CD ( original Broadway Cast 1972) and DVD of a performance in 1984 which are of course very good but . Why Oh Why can't I get to hear all the 2011/2012 members performances again? I'm sure there are issues with copyright etc. but why can't that be sorted out? Come one us theatregoing public deserve a little respect. We want to hear what we have enjoyed live, we want to hear the versions of songs sang by the performer who we have been able to have a chat with after the show!

I've known the music of Pippin for many years and seeing the show was a real treat. I can't emphasise enough how brilliant I thought the performance yesterday was. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. The characters were perfectly cast, I particularly enjoyed Estrada, and the Leading Player and Pippin were both just truely brilliant and I loved their beautiful voices. The choreography was fantastic and brilliantly delivered by the whole cast. Well done everyone, this really was the best show I've seen for a very long time

After only having seen the DVD of the 1970's version of Pippin, I was really nervous about seeing this production as I had felt that the show previously was cheesy as hell. However, I was amazed by this production of Pippin. From the moment you walk into the auditorium, the performance has already begun. Everything about this production was stunningly brilliant - the set, the lighting design, the acting, singing, dancing, choreography and costumes. Beautifully directed and sensitively told this tale of a young man's struggle to find meaning in his life was filled with well executed comedy, style and a wonderful timeless feel - all of which added to the chilling direction of the musical's climax. Wonderfully produced, stunningly retold and slickly presented.

Stunning cast of dancers and singers. Fabulous visually - think the piece is flawed! First act very exciting, raunchy, angry - second act boring and domestic. Didnt work for me But love the music

I loved the show