Bosom Buddies!

Better late than never. I made a visit to the Hope Mill Theatre yesterday, in the final week of its run of Mame; based off the novel by Patrick Dennis and the play "Auntie Mame". In 1996, this musical version from Jerry Herman bowed on Broadway, with Angela Lansbury in the title role, giving her the 1st out of 5 Tonys for her performance.

It has been 50 years since it has been seen in the UK - its London premiere in fact with none other than Ginger Rodgers as Mame! Talk about a part that brings in big names!

So, if its a big-name part, then who have the Hope Mill got in to play this larger-than-life character?
None other than Tracie Bennett (Follies), a double Olivier winner and one of Manchester's own!
She was 100% the charismatic leading lady; you couldn't take your eyes off her and what a voice! It's not often you hear a TRUE alto, who can get really LOW notes and that rich tone in the mid-range.
So with that in mind, it was such a shame that the band were so loud during her big 11 o'clock number, If He Walked Into My Life that you sometimes couldn't hear her lyrics.... Err 'scuse me, I know it references the boy with a bugle but can you turn the trumpet down please...?
Despite that though, I can clearly that Bennett's performance is the beating heart, and the best thing about the show.

Bennett may have been the star attraction, but her supporting cast did have their own moments, particularly Harriet Thorpe as best friend (or the other half of the Bosom Buddies) Vera - she knows how to make people laugh, very sarcastic and witty. She's collaborated with the best though, including French + Saunders, and Victoria Wood.
I must also praise Lochlan White as the young Patrick, and Chase Brown as his older counterpart, and their bond with Bennett's Auntie.

It's a big brass musical you would expect from Jerry Herman, about living your life to the full, and with plenty of kick-lines, catchy tunes etc; the plot can go in a bit of a random direction at times and, when after finishing the show and seeing the bigger picture, can seem pointless or chucked in for the sake of it - but its heart is in the right place. The big numbers like It's Today and the title song sparkle, with Nick Winston's choreography making the most of the tiny space.

If you think this may be for you, you'd be pretty quick to grab the very few remaining Manchester tickets. It is ending at the weekend, but I believe it is going on a small tour too - check if it's coming to a city near you.