There’s something supremely classic about all things French; it’s the je ne sais pas quoi way in which they bring together style, romance, art and music with beautiful simplicity. And hence the phenomenally successful film Amelie, which since 2001 has bewitched and charmed audiences worldwide. Even those audiences that hate sub-titles. The musical theatre version debuted in 2015. However, after reading its running history, I got the feeling that the stage version of the delightful story was more of a Beaujolais Nouveau than a vintage Bordeaux; its duration and appeal seems to have been short-lived. I misjudged, as from the beginning I was captivated and realised I was seeing something rather unique and quite memorable.
In this current UK tour, Amelie is played by the enchanting Audrey Brisson and Nino, her love interest, by the smoothly talented Danny Mac; but although these names headline the publicity, the entire cast deserves as much attention. They are a rather unexpected treat that makes the whole show work. It is a true ensemble piece, where characters, musicians and even puppets dance, sing and intermingle on stage to tell the story with fluidity and seamless motion.
Based on the film, the musical – book by Craig Lucas and music by Daniel Messé – follows the life of Amelie, a quirky, lonely girl, brought up by odd parents, who finds her destiny devoted to helping others, after the oddly coincidental events of Princess Diana’s tragic death and the discovery of a hidden treasure box in her apartment, where she retreats to her comfortable solitude. Unfortunately this gift of helping others realise the love and beauty that is missing from their lives doesn’t apply to herself, as she struggles to find the connection with Nino, a young man she finds herself confusingly attracted to.
Unlike the recent spate of American Hollywood film-to-stage productions, Amelie does not try to restrict itself to recreating the elements of the original movie. It embraces its transformation to the stage, allowing new and entirely unexpected uses of characters, set, lighting and music. Partly surreal and very quirky, the story doesn’t lose its charm or form as a romantic comedy, as the audience is kept constantly amused and intrigued.
The harmony of voices and music was noteworthy, and the French atmosphere created by this was not forced; the music, set and even the accents were perfectly pitched. I left the theatre charmed and delighted by an evening well spent, and I was certainly not alone, judging by the warm appreciation of the audience at curtains. Another classic, I’d say.
[Amanda Briggs August 2019]
Amelie is playing at the New Victoria theatre, Woking, from Tuesday 27 August – Saturday 31 August
Woking Writers Circle 