The Last 5 Years

The Last 5 Years ran for a very short season, of four performances over two nights at The Dolphin Theatre. Presented by the relatively new company, Fresh Bred, this was the most fully presented production of this show that I have seen.'

This production of Jason Robert Brown's short musical involved a multi locale set, with substantial furnishings and multiple costume changes. There was more interaction between the two characters than is traditional in this story of the life and death of a relationship. It was an interesting approach, which didn't always work - the increased contact muddied the unusual chronology of the show, and there was a noticeably late entry after a costume change, but the visual effect of the set becoming littered with words was an effective metaphor.

Eimar Foley has a pure classical voice, sings very sweetly and looks the part of Kathy. I didn't quite believe the relationship with Jason Arrow - who also sang very well and made a likeable energetic Jamie.

The musicians, with musical director Kohan van Sambeek on piano, were a strong team and were visible on stage throughout the show. Sound balance wasn't always perfect and at times the band, through excellent, were drowning the singing to a certain extent.

There is no lighting credit in the programme and I feel that it might have been done on the run, in this expensive to hire venue. The multi-area set meant a fairly complex plot and at the first performance some cues were behind the mark, leaving performers in the dark.

The audience response to this show was very positive and the moments of comedy were particularly well received. This was a promising production from a fledgling company.

Kimberley Shaw