London School of Musical Theatre – Lend Me a Tenor

Picture: Scott Rylander

Lend Me a Tenor is performed by London School of Musical Theatre students at the Bridewell Theatre, London.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sometimes you just have to gush. This is one of the best student productions I have ever seen. It is very funny indeed – these talented young actors have learned how to work every nuance and innuendo – and there are several singers in this company who would (and probably will) grace any opera house.

The show itself, new to me, although it’s been around since 2010, is strong and an excellent choice for a drama school class of 21.

Based on a play by Ken Ludwig, and in this musical version by Brad Carroll and Peter Sham, it tells of a world famous tenor who, for various reasons, cannot sing at a make-or-break production of Pagliacci in Cleveland.

So he has to be impersonated. By the time we get into Act II we’re firmly in farce territory with three people dressed as the tenor in Harlequin costume with lots of doors opening and closing. This cast, immaculately directed by Graham Gill (who was associate director on the original West End production) bring it off in spades.

Damian Kneale, as Tito the famous tenor, sings with such beautiful warmth, richness and musicality that he is totally convincing in this role. He’s a fine actor too, adeptly conveying all his character’s absurdity and vulnerability. The rapport with his wife (Ann-Marie Craine – lovely acting) is quite something too.

And my goodness, Lydia Gerrard is good as Diana Divane, the Cleveland Opera Company diva desperate for a big break. Her ‘May I have a Moment?’ number in Act II during which she dips in and out of a whole string of operas from Mozart to Wagner to impress Tito is both hilarious and unforgettable theatre.

I really liked Skye Adams’ work as disingenuous Maggie, who has a crush on Tito. She has lots of personality, a very winning smile and an accomplished voice.

Max – the character who has to go on for Tito – is intelligently played by Harry Dunnett who presents him as a very nervous man. He holds his voice back until the singing lesson with Tito and then suddenly he becomes plausible as an opera singer.

It is, in short, a top-notch cast without a single weak link. And the ensemble work (slickly choreographed by Joanne McShane) is very sharp.

A word of praise too for Amy Watts’ sets and costumes. We start downstage in front of a scalloped theatre curtain which is then drawn back to reveal the crisp, green art nouveau hotel suite Tito is staying in. It’s imaginatively neat.

None of it would work of course without the splendid seven-piece on the balcony over the stage. MD Colin Billing, who leads from the keyboard, was the original musical director on Lend Me a Tenor and it shows to delicious effect.

Bravo to this show and all who sail in her – and on to great things very soon, I’m sure. Outstanding work all round.

Susan Elkin