WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHERE: Phoenix Theatre

WHEN: 20/3, runs to 30/10

This Chichester Theatre production is up for six Olivier Awards on 3/4 and we gave it 5* when it opened at the Savoy in December.

It played at the Savoy for four months and after a week’s break returns to a new home (the Phoenix seats just over 1,000, the Savoy 1,150) with three of its four leads recast.

The good news is that we enjoyed this cast even more than the original. We’ve always been big fans of Samantha Spiro’s and here she is in fine voice as Miss Adelaide as well as being the funniest thing about the show.

Oliver Tompsett was the big surprise for us as Sky Masterson. He had the hardest job of all we think because his predecessor was nominated for our own best actor monsta as well as the show winning a best musical nod. Tompsett’s a much more muscular, Marlon Brando-type than the marvellous Jamie Parker who he replaces and he absolutely pulls it off.

We weren’t sure what we’d make of American Richard Kind as Nathan Detroit but he’s lovably dotty and madcap. Siubhan Harrison is the only lead to return and continues her fine form as Sister Sarah.

Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat is the show’s highlight and Gavin Spokes who leads the number proves how deserved his Olivier nomination as supporting actor is.

We were surprised that this production continued its run in a new venue but having loved it even more second time around we can absolutely see why. Fingers crossed the cast perform Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat at the Oliviers.

• Picture via Facebook courtesy ATG Tickets. Tickets here.
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