REVIEW: La Cage Aux Folles- Liverpool Empire Theatre

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Bill Kenwright has outdone himself in this exceptional production of La Cage Aux Folles which translates as "The Cage of mad women". It is a revival of the 1983 classical musical by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein.  The show tells the story of night club owner George and his love Albin who has an alter ego as a drag artiste in St Tropez. Their idyllic life is turned upside down when George's son Jean-Michel declares that he is to be engaged to the woman of his dreams. The fact that his future father in law is a right-wing politician with extreme views on homosexuality throws a spot of volatility and controversy into the mix.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The show tackles so many subjects and is sensitive in it's approach. There is a beautiful mix of tenderness and side splitting hilarity throughout. This show is an absolute must-see. I cried with laughter and equally felt my heart strings being pulled as emotions of the characters were displayed for us to see throughout the scenes.

The cast includes the magnificent West end star John Partridge, Adrian Zmed and Marti Webb. 

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The set is lavishly designed with extravagant swags and the glitz of a cabaret show. John Partridge is simply stunning in his portrayal of Albin, extraordinarily humorous and engaging with the audience and also showing the three dimensional characteristics of the protagonist. His vulnerability as he sings the famous "I Am what I Am" entices the audience into an even stronger love affair with him. He was outstanding. I loved watching him on stage. His stage presence was marvellous and the rapport with Adrian Zmed was a joy to watch. 

Despite a technical hitch with the sound desk just before the interval, the show continued and the audience responded appreciatively with rapturous applause.

The show is exuberant, fast paced, engaging and a delightful watch. I would highly recommend it. The show runs at The Liverpool Empire until Saturday 8th July.

Running time: 2 Hours 30 minutes

Buy Tickets here
PR Rating: 5 stars