Naked Boys Singing
Conceived by Robert Schrock
Arts Theatre
Directed by Phil Willmott
Musical Director Leigh Thompson
Designed by Nigel Hook
Choreographed by Andrew Wright
Lighting design by Peter Bragg
Arts Theatre
6 – 7 Great Newport Street London WC2H 7JB
Call +44 (0) 845 017 5584 Tickets £15 – £17.50
Joint ticket with Fucking Men £25 – £30
Fucking Men: Tues – Sat 7.30pm
Naked Boys Singing: Tues – Sat 9.30pm
Running time 1 Hour 30 mins with no intermission
Limited Season
Congratulations, it’s a Bouncing Boy
The most amusing thing about this show is the sight of a lot of penises wobbling and flapping about. They really are quite comical, having a life of their own, especially when their owners are bouncing around themselves entertaining the good folks who paid money to see them showing off their talents.
The owners of the penises displayed impressive amounts of energy and goodwill towards some clever writing and choreography, but when it came to a showdown the penises won hands (or should that be pants) down. The competition fell short of the professional brilliance this potentially slick and amusing review show needed to demonstrate that nudity is a bonus, not the main thing. Without the penis’ contribution there really was not enough to hold ones interest.
Director Phil Willmott tells in his programme notes that the first time his cast revealed all in rehearsal it was ‘an occasion of great joy, celebration and laughter’. Pity this was not so on the night. The bit by bit removal of clothes as the numbers went by became merely a silly extended strip tease, and ultimately not worth the wait. When the time came and there was nothing left to hide, the result was simply to wonder: ‘was that all you could think of?’
This production has been wowing audiences in the Off Broadway scene because the numbers were sung and danced superbly, rivalling anything on Broadway itself. The actors’ commitment in this production will no doubt bring joy, celebration and laughter to fringe audiences, but when performed individually the unamplified voices were thin, sometimes inaudible, and certainly not likely to rival the shows across the road.
Ultimately this is a minor entertainment, relying on the title and little else to bring in the audiences.
Somewhat recommended
Saul Reichlin
London correspondent