Putting It Together – Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Alex Cardall, Andrew Gallo, Gavin James and Lauren James Ray in Putting It Together at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester. Picture: Phil Tragen

Putting It Together continues at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester until 24 November 2018.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

‘Having just a vision’s no solution, everything depends on execution: putting it together, that’s what counts’ – if ever there was a song to encapsulate the ethos behind the creation and development of the Hope Mill Theatre it is ‘Putting It Together’; Stephen Sondheim’s ode to the ‘art of making art’ from Sunday in the Park With George.

This 1992 musical revue – devised by the composer alongside performer Julia McKenzie – is therefore a perfect fit for the intimate venue, ensuring their first foray into the works of Sondheim is a charming lead into the festive season.

Although the production only runs throughout November, Natalie Johnson’s design certainly reflects the seasonal spirit; complete with Christmas tree, mistletoe and presents adorning the stage.

The setting is a cocktail party in a Manhattan apartment and a loose structure sees a jaded married couple (Gavin James and Lauren James Ray) play host to their eager younger guests (Alex Cardall and Simbi Akande) whilst onlooker Andrew Gallo punctuates events with pithy single words – revenge, seduction etc – to give context to the songs.

With the entire Sondheim canon to choose from Putting It Together includes more than 30 numbers plucked from an array of shows. The upscale apartment setting is best suited to the style of Merrily We Roll Along and Company but it is also a treat to hear lesser-known works from the likes of The Frogs and Dick Tracy.

The selections largely work well out of their original context, such as the transformation of ‘Unworthy of Your Love’ and ‘Pretty Women’ into tender, sentimental ballads when shorn of their darker origins in Assassins and Sweeney Todd respectively.

Director Bronagh Lagan and choreographer William Whelton allow events to flow freely and ensure the interactions and looks between characters feel natural and unforced. This allows the audience to focus on the music and characterisation and to appreciate both the wit and beauty in Sondheim’s lyrics.

Each performer is given a chance to shine; Gavin James gives moving, reflective renditions of ‘The Road You Didn’t Take’ and ‘Good Thing Going’, Andrew Gallo delivers a joyfully frenetic ‘Buddy’s Blues’ and Alex Cardall, the winner of the 2018 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year award, offers a beautiful version of ‘Marry Me a Little’.

Battle lines are soon drawn between Simbi Akande’s flighty ingenue and Lauren James Ray’s embittered wife as they relish their rivalry in ‘Lovely’ and ‘There’s Always a Woman’. James Ray is gifted with some of Sondheim’s most famous showstoppers and makes the most of them, from her scathing indictment of ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ to the comedic anguish in ‘Getting Married Today’.

Pianist Michael Webborn provides the musical accompaniment and by being situated on stage as part of the cast, the audience has a greater appreciation for the skill he displays throughout in bringing the compositions to life.

An early Christmas present for theatregoers, Putting It Together is a stylish production that celebrates the works of a true legend of musical theatre, providing an enjoyable two hours of glorious music and winning performances.

May Mellstrom