Colour and Light: The Art of Sondheim

Any audience of Stephen Sondheim’s work needs to be prepared for carriage to ecstatic heights or uncovering of their emotional wreckage. The performers are challenged with gut clenching technical demands to deliver enormous numbers of words, emotional truths, unusual cadences and harmonies and still somehow manage to breathe. Watch This is a repertory company which focusses on Sondheim’s legacy, and they demonstrated they are well up for making the most of his work and uncovering new insights and delights in a flowing revue.

Not only did Dr Trevor Jones craft the show, he also played the piano and participated in a few numbers. Vidya Makan, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Johanna Allen and Jacob Rozario worked seamlessly together to sing and move, and also managed to cheekily involve the audience. There was plenty of emotion and humour - sometimes in the same song “Can That Boy Foxtrot”, and they weren’t afraid of delivering the songs attached firmly to Broadway stars including, “I’m Still Here”, “Sooner or Later”, “You Could Drive A  Person Crazy”, “Being Alive”, “Send in the Clowns” and “Not Getting Married”.

The stage was lushly decorated with rich colours and items and featured a grand piano at the centre. There was a multi-height walkway around the piano which was effectively used by the cast to create separate spaces and character dynamics. The lighting and sound support contributed without intrusion.

Sondheim is widely recognised as a genius, and Watch This is carrying his genius forward with an accessible, newly imagined form. The cast commitment, professionalism and clear passion for his work carries his magic deftly into the hearts and minds of their audience.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Ben Fon