Close Up : The Twiggy Musical – Menier Chocolate Factory

Close Up : The Twiggy Musical – Menier Chocolate Factory

Having recently experienced a show centred around a 60s icon that left me less than impressed, I must admit I approached this production with a hint of apprehension. Wow! Was I pleasantly surprised! It is amazing!

The Menier Chocolate Factory, a venue full of rustic charm, provided an ideal backdrop for this production, set up in an end-on proscenium arch style. It’s worth noting that the stage configurations here seem to change depending on the specific show, which adds to the venue’s versatility.

The cast are nothing short of phenomenal! While I could identify a few standout performances, it’s essential to acknowledge that the entire ensemble is truly outstanding. Hannah-Jane Fox and Steven Serlin, portraying the roles of the mother Mother, Nell and Father, Norman not only delivered exceptional individual performances but seamlessly transformed into multiple characters throughout the show. I must confess, it took me until halfway through the performance to realise all the characters Fox had portrayed due in part to the performance, hair and costume. The audience were in stitches at some of the impressions that I, due to my youthful age missed! However, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the cast’s remarkable performance, which kept me laughing even without knowing the real-life counterparts.

Elena Skye’s portrayal of the leading lady, Twiggy, was nothing short of fabulous. Her ability to seamlessly age from 16 to adulthood was a marvel to behold and held the show together as she is on stage for almost the entire performance.

Adding a touch of comic relief, Matt Corner in the role of Justin de Villeneuve, while far from a pleasant character, managed to make you love to hate him in a truly fabulous manner. On the other hand, Darren Day as Michael Witney provided a sharp contrast with a performance that struck at the heartstrings.

What sets this production apart is its incorporation of actual footage, highlighting its status as a biopic while shedding light on some of the famed and more ludicrous aspects of Twiggy’s life.

The genius behind this show is Ben Elton, who both wrote and directed it. His work on this production is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s clear that his creative touch has elevated the entire experience to a whole new level.

This show was reviewed on the 28th September 2023.  Close Up : The Twiggy Musical runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until the 18th November 2023.  Tickets available here: Close-Up: The Twiggy Musical | Menier Chocolate Factory

***** stars

Review – Close Up : The Twiggy Musical – Menier Chocolate Factory – Box Office Radio