REVIEW: Company, Irving Stage Company, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, until Saturday.

camille.berriman@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 15:13, 16 June 2021

| Updated: 15:13, 16 June 2021

After months of rehearsals over Zoom, outdoors or complying with covid regulations, the 14-strong cast of Company took to the stage with impressive confidence this week.

First night nerves appeared to be completely absent as central character Bobby, played superbly by Jonathan Lodge, strolled on stage.

With restrictions allowing only six non-professional performers to sing on stage I had feared the vocals might be lacking. I was soon proved wrong. Clever backing tracks, an excellent band and sublime singing from those allowed to belt out Stephen Sondheim's challenging music combined for a rich sound.

Rehearsals under way for the Irving Stage Company production of Company.....PICTURE: Andy Abbott. (48278798)

Congratulations must go to every cast member. Each played their role with utter conviction, displaying impressive characterisation and fantastic vocals.

Bravo also to director Jeremy Warbrick and musical director Nicholas Brazier for producing a musical brimming with talent, stage presence and flair.

I'd like to watch it all over again. The show runs until Saturday – tickets at theatreroyal.org

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