Thank heaven for Topol and Co

5:33pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

WHEN MGM turned the Lerner and Loewe musical Gigi into a hugely successful film in 1958, the role of Honore was played by Maurice Chevalier and songs like ‘Thank Heaven for Little Girls’ and ‘I Remember it Well’ became inextricably linked with the French entertainer.

This latest stage production at Regents Park open air theatre threw another iconic star into the role and from the first moment his rich, sonorous voice boomed across the auditorium it was obvious that Topol could more than fill Chevalier’s spats.

His lines were delivered with a twinkle in his eye and an engaging smile and his timing was impeccable, but it wasn’t just Topol who made this production such an overwhelming delight.

Lisa O’Hare as Gigi was perfect as she evolved from a coltish teenager into a composed and beautiful young lady, despite rather than because of her ‘education’ from her grandmother (Millicent Martin) and her cynical Aunt Alicia (Linda Thorson).

It is then that Honore’s nephew Gaston (Thomas Borchert) realises that his one great love has been under his nose for years and things eventually move to the only likely conclusion.

Sometimes known as the Dark My Fair Lady, the play refects on what Honore calls “male patriotism” with the young Gigi being groomed as a coutesan by her family and Gaston a rich playboy, who flits from mistress to mistress.

Millicent Martin and Linda Thorson are perfect foils for each other, Martin as the cosy, well-meaning Mamitka, once romantically involved with Honore and Thorson as the single-minded woman, out for whatever she can get - “We don’t get married at once. We get married at last.”

It is Aunt Alicia and Honore who get the best and the wiitest lines from Alan Jay Lerner and they certainly make each one count.

Meanwhile Frederick Loewe’s score has lost little over the years and the hard-working ensemble and the small orchestra bring it to life with a flourish.

The set is simple but effective and the surroundings of this wonderful theatre with the brilliant cast combine to produce a wonderfully intimate and entertaining evening.

“Only the rich die laughing” claims Alicia. I spent much of the evening laughing and I am much richer for the experience.

With musicals much in vogue this summer with the success of Mama Mia, perhaps it is time for a revival of Gigi on the West End stage.

If not, I would suggest that this production in Regents Park is one that you shouldn’t miss.

Gigi is at Regents Park Open Air Theatre until Saturday September 13. For tickets ring 05844 826 4242 (booking fee £1/ticket) or visit the website in related links where you can select your seat and there is no booking fee.

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