Admittedly many plays will have to do a lot to beat it for me because I've always been in love with the story since watching the film when i was sixteen.
When i heard it was coming to Nottingham i couldn't be more excited, I was also familiar with a few of the cast who i already thought were great actors so expectations were high!
This classic love story between two teenagers was really brought to life by the current cast, "Beautiful Thing" brought both a presence of laughter, joy and sadness throughout the production bringing a happy tear to my eye as the last scene faded to black.
On the journey home my friend and I, discussed in quite a lot of the depth who we both thought was the best of the cast, even though all the cast was on top form, Charlie Brooks who played the loud mouth yet loving mother "Sandra".
Sandra is really brought to life when Brooks shows the characters vulnerable side as she deals with discovery of her sons new love, Brooks also brings a great side of comedy to throughout the play paired with the hilarious Leah (played by Vanessa Babirye).
Both Leah and Tony(played by Gerard McCarthy) bring so much laughter to the production, dual personality gemini Leah formally known as Mama Cass had me in stitches throughout the show, her crazy and fun filled spirit shined. McCarthy as Tony really brings the characters almost nerdy and geeky comedy as he tries to "seem cool" to the teens, I feel Tony is such a solid character too through the play having nothing but care and acceptance for everyone and personally I Tony is portrayed so much better on stage than in film!
The love story between "Ste" and "Jamie" (Thomas Law, Sam Jackson) will touch the hearts of people forever, and the chemistry between them both was clear to see on the stage, making for mesmerising viewing, I felt really connected with relationship between the two and kinda jealous I don't have the same, by the end of the play you really come to believe that love really can be between anyone. (The fact "Same Love by Macklemore" played as you left the theatre i thought was such a nice touch!)
Overall i can not fault "Beautiful Thing" Truly iconic performance for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and feel that people will go around in life with part of them missing for not seeing this play it really was astounding. GO SEE IT!
Well done to you all! I hope you all read this and go see "Beautiful Thing", im not the best at review writing, i'm quite new to it but if any members of the production see this i hope it brings you a smile cos you all really did great and hope you carry one spreading the message of love and acceptance!
Beautiful Thing is only on at the Nottingham Playhouse until the 9th May but their UK tour is still set to go Guildford, Northampton, Leicester, West End, Cardiff and Brighton!
Link below to the productions website for more details.
http://www.beautthing.com/
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