Theatre Review: Judy - the Songbook of Judy Garland - Theatre Royal, Glasgow ✭✭✭✭
Review by Anna Ireland
Judy Garland was a force to be reckoned with. If there is any doubt in your mind that such a statement is true, after seeing Judy - the Songbook of Judy Garland, there will be no hesitation.
Covering a variety
of Garland's vast career highlights, from For
Me and My Gal with Gene Kelly to the toe-tapping offerings of Meet Me in St Louis, the show provides a
sweeping display of the comical, tender and impressive musical and on-screen
moments of the starlets 45 years in the spotlight. Opening with clips on screen
of Garland in her prime - singing, dancing, laughing, all captured on film -
the troubled life of the actress is glossed over, as a multitude of her songs
are covered by the cast.
With excellent
performances by Louise Dearman, Rachel Stanley and Georgina Hagen in Garland's shoes, often on stage together, the
only story is that of Judy herself. Thus, it is in the dance sequences that the
show truly comes alive, no doubt in part down to Arlene Phillips role as Creative Director. The tap dancing scenes
are electric, immersing the audience in the nostalgia and energy of the
performances of a by-gone era. Ray Quinn
and 'the Boyfriends' steal the show with moves and rhythm that keep the music of Judy alive through the power of slick moves and
suave suits.
Some routines, such as a rendition of A Couple of Swells, are comical, and
Garland's sense of humour is clear in clips shown throughout. The show is given a personal touch by
Garland's daughter, Lorna Luft. Luft
isn't as vocally strong as her mother, but provides memories and stories in
snippets between her take on her mother's songs. In these moments it is
touching as a celebration of both a star and a mother's life, particularly in
Luft's performance of Swanee from A Star is Born that just about lifts the
roof off.
The irony of
Garland's life is not lost, with That's
Entertainment and There's No Business
Like Showbusiness providing a sad reminder of her tragic end. However, the
show serves to prove all that Judy stood for and, in a climactic montage
reel to Over the Rainbow, we can
appreciate this. Luft ensures that the night is one of fun and positivity and,
more to the point, great music,
and there were more than a few tears towards the end.
Much of the glitz and excitement comes from nostalgia, perhaps a better bet for fans or those
who were there the first time round. However, for a younger generation
it is not out of reach, making entertaining viewing either for fresh eyes or as a trip down
memory lane. All you need is a tissue
and a pair of tap shoes.
Judy - The Songbook of Judy Garland is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 6th June. For tickets and information visit www.atgtickets.com/Glasgow
Judy - The Songbook of Judy Garland is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 6th June. For tickets and information visit www.atgtickets.com/Glasgow