Reviews

Ever since it was written, Oklahoma! has been a popular and much produced title on the community theatre circuit. Savoyards have done it four times, the last in 2005, and since the show is now back on Broadway (admittedly in a more radical version), it’s time to re-look at the original again, which director Robbie Parkin has done with this production.

How does it stack up today?

It began as a much-loved novel in 1964; then it was a much-loved movie in 1976; then Tom Holloway adapted the novel in 2013; then another not-so-loved try-hard movie in 2019; and now this MTC production of Mr Holloway’s text, directed by Sam Strong.  You might ask, ‘Why?’, but adaptations and revivals are the go at present, the original story is ‘timeless’ and still timely, and Mr Strong hopes that this production will bring children to the theatre.  I think he’s right: it will.

If what you seek from a cabaret performer is personality coupled with versatility, then Ruthie Henshall fits the bill. She can be comical or serious, rousing or understated. Her repertoire includes familiar favourites from the world of musical theatre, as well as hidden gems. The personal anecdotes range from cheeky and light-hearted to piercing and poignant.

In her distinctively throaty vocal delivery, Henshall prefers to dig deep into the substance of a song, rather than floating free into the realm of gratuitous acrobatics.

Even though Slap the clown declares in his first musical number “I may be gay, but I’m not THAT cabaret”, in iOTA – Slap and Tickle, that’s exactly what he is.

What follows are 60 minutes of humour with just a touch of heartbreak. Set in a world of glitter curtains, a makeup table and a wonderful ten-piece band, Slap the Clown and Tickle the Gimp reveal their somewhat abusive relationship and a collection of outrageous characters created by Slap.