Theatre
Review
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Company, OFS Marking the 30th anniversary of the first London performance, Hot Box productions presents Company, Stephen Sondheim's first concept musical (book by George Furth). Set in New York, Company follows the thought patterns of Bobby (Andy Mitchell) on his 35th birthday in the company of his friends. All of Bobby's friends are either married or getting married and they are anxious for their bachelor friend to follow suit. Bobby isn't quite ready, however, and is content to amuse himself with the various women passing through his life in the meantime. Bobby is able to explore the various different aspects of relationships, including the ups and downs of married life, through the lives of his feisty but believable friends. He questions whether he is able to make to a long- term commitment amidst karate fights, talk of affairs, divorce and substance dependency. Each scene illustrates a particular aspect of a relationship from the brink of marriage to the verge of divorce, through Bobby's easily identified- with friends. The comical conflict between two friends, Sarah (Bethan Jenkins) and Larry (Chris Tod), at the beginning set a punchy tone that continues throughout and more than compensates for the sometimes questionable singing performances. Although the production aims to focus on Bobby's quest to find himself, it's the quirky female characters that captivate the audience interest: in particular, Amy (Becky Lowton), the nerve wracked bride who rattles off a catalog of reasons why she should not walk down the aisle and Joanne (Amy Matthews) who is the empowered wife, initiator of affairs and heavy bourbon drinker. First performed in 1970, Company's themes have been dealt with on many occasions and on different levels before, but this does not take away from the entertaining performance given by Hot Box Productions. Company is a comical portrayal of realistic characters that is lively and enjoyable that will definitely leave you with something to think about. Directed by Amyas Merivale and Alex Hall (musical director).
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