The Boy Friend (2006)
by Sandy Wilson
Having been originally presented at the Players' Theatre in 1953, Sandy Wilson's The Boy Friend is a much-loved pastiche of the post-war musical comedies of the 1920s. Directed by Ian Talbot and choreographed by Bill Deamer, it was a 'flawless' (The Stage), and 'glorious revival' (The Telegraph). Starring Rachel Jerram, Steven Pacey, Anna Nicholas, Summer Strallen and Ian Talbot, the 2006 production was deemed so popular, it was revived the following season.
The cast
Claire Carrie
Hortense
Summer Strallen
Maisie
Selina Chilton
Dulcie
Haley Flaherty
Fay
Helen Owen
Nancy
Rachel Jerram
Polly Browne
James Bisp
Marcel
Martin McCarthy
Pierre
Anna Nicholas
Madame Dubonnet
Michael Rouse
Bobby Van Husen
Steven Pacey
Percival Browne
Joshua Dallas
Tony
Ian Talbot
Lord Brockhurst
Jennifer Piercey
Lady Brockhurst
Stuart Nurse
Gendarme/Waiter
Matt Dempsey
Alphonse
Matthew Clark
Pepe
Kylie Anne Cruickshanks
Lolita
Vivien Care
Guest
Creative team
Ian Talbot
Director
Bill Deamer
Choreographer
Designer
Paul Farnsworth
Musical Director
Catherine Jayes
Arranger
Steven Edis
Lighting Designer
Jason Taylor
Sound Designer
Gregory Clarke
Assistant Director
Robert Cameron
Programmes and Marketing
Rehearsals
Reviews
Telegraph
"glorious revival" "Talbot's achievement, assisted by Bill Deamer's witty choreography, is to strike a balance between archness and earnestness" "Steven Pacey is on winning form as Polly's pater, loosening up under the silky charms of Anna Nicholas's Madame Dubonnet - and Talbot steals his own show as the walrus-faced Lord Brockhurst, cosying up to a young flapper (Selina Chilton) with the irresistible chat-up line: 'It's never too late to have a fling, for autumn is just as nice as spring.'"
The Stage
"If there were smile factor awards for shows this flawless production would get five stars - or maybe six or seven. From the moment you see the pastel meringue set with its Riviera sandcastles and hear Claire Carrie's warmly comic hammed-up French accent as Hortense on the phone you know you are in for a treat. It is pastiche played with panache."
Guardian
"Bill Deamer's choreography covers everything from tangos to tap; it literally achieves lift-off in Won't You Charleston With Me. This is largely because of the extraordinary Summer Strallen, who, as Maisie, combines period pertness with some of the highest kicks you could ever wish to see - her legs achieve the perpendicular splendour of the Eiffel Tower."
Awards
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Olivier Award: Nominated
Best Theatre Choreographer
Olivier Award: Nominated
Best Musical Revival
WhatsOnStage Award: Nominated