Snoopy makes his debut on the London stage
Amanda Noar brings Charlie Brown and a much needed smile to the festive season
Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor
Our eyes have been on Israel for 75ays, so feeling festive is a stretch. Until you see You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. First performed in 1967, the musical by Clark Gesner was revised by Andrew Lippa in 1999, but only staged in America. Now it’s in Highgate, so prepare for a feast of Peanuts; oh and take the kids.
Isn’t it time they got to know Charlie, Linus, Lucy and Co, who are charmingly brought to life by a cast who portray them accurately and with affection. And then there’s the hero amound hounds, Snoopy. Oliver Sidney brings uncanny canine sensibilities to the dog who mostly lies on top of his kennel. But this is Snoopy as we’ve never seen him.
This is Charlie Brown’s pet pooch wearing white tails, a bone bowtie and tap shoes to deliver the barn-storming solo Suppertime. ‘Bravo, Snoopy,’ is all I can say. All the songs capture the essence of the characters so we get Charlie (super-sweet Jordan Broatch) maligning his own inadequacies and his sister Sally (Millie Robins’ masterclass in annoying sibling) reinforces them.
Equally impressive are Eleanor Fransch as imperious Lucy, thinker Shroeder (Troy Yip), who comes out of his shell with the feisty Beethoven Day, and lovable Linus (Jacob Cornish) who never lets go of his blue blanket.
Director and choreographer Amanda Noar has an impressive track record at this theatre, but her latest production is a lesson in how to stage emotionally expansive in a tiny space while appealing to all ages. With gifted Harry Style as musical director, this is happiness without a prescription. You just need a ticket.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown runs until 14 January. Tickets: http://upstairsatthe gatehouse.com
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