By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 29 July, opens 5 August runs through 16 September 2023 RUNTIME: 150 minutes (including a 20-minute interval) UPDATE: now running until 23 September 2023

Close your eyes and this 40th anniversary revival of the classic musical comedy could almost be set not on the French Riveria but in a rundown British seaside town that’s seen better days.

• Read on for reasons including why this is the best production of this iconic show we’ve ever seen

Gone is the reference to the Mediterranean, our currency is pounds not francs and the accents are regional, a trick we 1st saw used to brilliant effect by John Partridge as Albin in a touring production at the New Wimbledon Theatre 6 years ago.

Tonight’s Albin at this 1st preview is played by Carl Mullaney and is, simply, a revelation. We wonder how we’ve never seen him in anything before because his singing in particular is so strong he absolutely ‘blows the bloody doors off’, to give you an English reference, act 1’s closing and iconic number I Am What I Am.

We’ve seen Partridge play Albin (‘His fine singing voice and dancing agility were never in doubt but he handled the comedy and sensitivity of this role with great aplomb. We’ve never seen Albin interact with the audience so much and it was entirely in keeping with the setting (a club performance) and enhanced the show no end.’) as well as the hilarious Àngel Llàcer in Barcelona and John Barrowman and Graham Norton in the garlanded Menier Theatre production over a decade ago.

We saw the much-awarded Menier production at the Playhouse Theatre in London, now home to Cabaret, and it felt almost euphoric because of the positive changing attitudes of the world outside but as director Tim Sheader, who leaves this gorgeous venue as Artistic Director for the Donmar, notes in the programme: ‘In the US, politicians are seeking to bring in new laws that crack down on drag shows as part of a broader backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.’

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is 1 of our happy places, an outdoor venue that, when the sun goes down on the day, can be absolutely 1 of the most atmospheric and beautiful places to see a show, especially a musical in the whole of the world.

We arrive in our 3rd row seat to a soundtrack of seagulls and the faint sounds of pier-like organ music and delight in a set with gold, purple and red curtains that is giving us end-of-the-pier 70s vibes from our childhood (see picture far below).

We meet host Georges played by Billy Carter who we think has a Scottish accent who introduces us to his club called the titular La Cage Aux Folles and its cross-dressing dancers The Cagelles in opening number We Are What We Are that is so thrilling the audience is clapping along from the off.

Special mention to the comic genius of Jordan Lee Davies who plays ‘triller from Manila’ Chantal who at 1 point is eating chips and had us in stitches throughout.

The story is of a gay male couple – revelatory in 1983 when it was 1st performed in America – whose son visits with news that he is to marry the daughter of an ultra-Conservative MP and farce ensues when this defender of the most traditional values in family life arrives with mother and daughter.

It’s a story as pertinent now as it was then and has even been a film, The Birdcage, starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams and what we loved about Mullaney’s Albin was whether either backstage in her dressing room on the loo or riffing with her audience and out within it we were completely relaxed in her company because she was a most accomplished and very funny hostess.

The Cagelles may occasionally look a little out of sorts – Craig Armstrong exudes exhaustion post number lounging onstage with a cigarette on hand on more than 1 occasion – but their formation dancing and acrobatics during the title song is just astonishing.

La Cage Aux Folles is 1 of our favourite ever musicals, we’ve seen it many times but this drawing on the best of British cabaret breathes new life into it and for us, puts it up with Guys and Dolls at the Bridge as London’s best revival of the year to see.

• Main picture by Johan Persson via Facebook courtesy Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Tickets
• Have you seen a show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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