Landor Theatre London reviews by real event-goers

Dickens of a fine production, beyond my greatest expectations!

The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Landor Theatre- Exploring Charles ****ens final novel, unfinished because he died while writing it; we are introduced to members of the 'Theatre Royale', by a traditional Chairman,overseeing a music hall style rendition of the story. Opening songs buzz with audience participation (song sheets provided) stiffened by cast members spurring people to join in. We are then swept along from Music Hall to Musical Play. The plot develops quickly, amidst good songs, sung well by various characters. The plot works through the murder (or was it)? Possible motives are presented for each suspect- obvious clues are amusingly emphasised, then the audience is asked to vote, after each suspect has passionately pleaded with us to vote for them! Most impressive was the combined strength of the cast; each member oozed proficiency in clarity, expression and timbre. Solos, duets, trios and even a sextet provided great variety, interspersed with gusty choruses from 'the entire company'-every movement was choreographed with panache and fine detail. Music was voraciously led from the electric piano, including flute, clarinet, percussion, trumpet and cello, (I couldn't discern a single wrong note)! Each performer showed professional sparkle and excellence, but the extra gush and tingle factor came for me as Wendi Peters powerfully and reliably let rip from the very first note of 'Don't Quit While You're Ahead', right up to the end of the show, inspiring the rest of the cast superbly, with a stirringly excellent finale, to send us home elated. ****ens was himself an entertainer, so would have loved the fine performance and the music itself- he would also have savoured the argument, mystery and stimulation of debate; this novel is well documented as the most discussed of all, and for good reason. The production is strong enough for the West End, and the timing is right, celebrating 200 years of the great man- in any event, congratulations to the cast, production team and Director Matthew Gould.