REVIEW: Lennon Through A Glass Onion (Epstein Theatre)

LENNON THROUGH A GLASS ONION

TUESDAY 6^TH SEPTEMBER 2016 

Last night, Tuesday 6th September was press night for the highly acclaimed production of Lennon Through A Glass Onion. The show made its debut back in April of this year and returned by popular demand to it's spiritual home of Liverpool this week. The production opened in Australia, and has even played Off Broadway New York. The show also delighted audiences at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It truly is making it's mark around the globe.

Running until Saturday, 10^th September, written by John Waters and produced by Harley Medcalf, the show is part-concert, part-biography and celebrates the genius, music and phenomenon of John Lennon. Featuring 31 iconic hits of Lennon and his collaborations with McCartney including Imagine, Strawberry Fields Forever, Revolution, Woman, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Working Class Hero, and Jealous Guy, the show is jam packed with historic, familiar music. I sang along to most of them I must admit.

Daniel Taylor at the press launch for the event (April 16)


The protagonist is Liverpool's own; actor Daniel Taylor who convincingly and magnificently plays the role of Lennon. He plays it with ease and conviction and reveals to the audience the essence of
the life of the iconic figure. 

You really do believe in Taylor and you feel like a fly on the wall as he humorously recalls the significant events of Lennon's life in a candid and captivating manner. As he reflects deeply on the significant moments of Lennon's life, you as the audience completely buy into it and the anticipation builds as you observe the key moments of the artists life and the ensuing moment when he is gunned down, his life being prematurely curtailed.

Daniel was joined on stage by pianist Stewart D’Arrietta who charmed the audience with his excellent piano skills, strong vocals and witty repartee. The duo work so well together and are simply brilliant in their execution of the performance. This production is understated and simple in its construction- a pianist, the lead plus his guitar and a plethora of songs. The stripped back stage, the rawness of the language of Lennon is conducive for this poignant look at the legend's famous life. It's beautifully played out before the audience evoking a range of emotions from happiness to empathy for Lennon. The tender recollection of Lennon's mum Julia in Act 2 and the performance of the song in her memory is bound to hit your emotions. It certainly did mine especially as Taylor laments that he "lost her twice".

Stewart D'Arrietta at the press launch in April

My plus one summarized the performance so eloquently and I quote his comments here when he experienced "a wry smile and a chuckle in some parts at the dry, working class humour of Lennon and the fabulous lyrics which seemed to be placed so perfectly in this fabulous piece of theatre. Ultimately a poignant reminder that this was a life taken that still had so much more to give. If you get a chance to see it, please do. It's amazing"

Daniel and Stewart deservedly so received a standing ovation at the finale of the show. It was no surprise as the audience showed their appreciation for what had played out before them. Taylor was compassionate in his portrayal of Lennon, his vocals were en pointe and both he and D'Arrietta performed with passion and exuberance. 

This was a stunning show, an intimate look into the life of Lennon and an extraordinary performance by the duo. Even if you are not a huge Beatles fan, you will love this show. It is engaging and gives you an insight into the iconic man that was John Lennon. Expect to be moved and expect to be entertained by this phenomenal show. Act quickly as it is only running for a short while.

For further information, visit www.lennononstage.com or www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk

EPSTEIN THEATRE | HANOVER STREET |LIVERPOOL | L1 3DZ