Thoroughly Modern Millie arrived in Manchester last night under the strangest and most difficult of circumstances, less than 24hrs before; a horrific act of terrorism ripped through the foyer of the nearby Manchester Arena and left the city in a complete state of shock and disbelief.
There were multiple fatalities and many more serious injuries, even now concert goes remain unaccounted for. Despite this horrendous and cowardly attack on our city, Manchester did not shut down; Manchester did what Manchester does, we carried on, we helped each other, we looked after each other, we were and are, defiant.
After careful consideration and advice from the relevant authorities, it was decided that despite the devastation and hurt caused by the terror attack, the show must and would go on.
Taking to the stage just before curtain up cast member Graham MacDuff made a beautiful and emotive speech, he then led the audience in a minute silence which in true Manchester style once the minute was over became a rapturous applause. Theatre goers, whilst devastated, were determined that fear wouldn’t keep them away and thankfully the cast and company of Thoroughly Modern Millie were the perfect tonic.
Joanne Clifton is without doubt at the top of her game right now, after lifting the 2016 Strictly Mirrorball trophy with Ore Oduba, she is a talent in high demand. Taking on a role made famous by the legendary Julie Andrews can be no mean feat; however Clifton undoubtedly makes it her own. She fizzes with charisma and literally oozes with talent as the sassy and sparkling Millie. Whilst audiences will be most familiar with her dancing skills, she also delivers the iconic songs effortlessly and with great style. Her acting too, is on point, as her perky determination to succeed has the audience rooting for her from the off.
Millie arrives from Kansas determined to bag herself a husband and a glamorous new life in the Big Apple. Things don’t quite go according to plan as she ends up broke and bunking in a dodgy flophouse run by an even dodgier Mrs. Meers (Lucas Rush) who unbeknown to Millie is a white slave trader shipping unsuspecting orphan girls across the seas to Hong Kong.
The story is delightfully daft and superbly silly allowing for some truly genius comedic moments. Lucas Rush has audiences howling through his exaggerated performance as the menacing Mrs Meers. The switch from faux Chinese maiden to deep voiced convict is hilarious as he tires of the giggly girls he houses.
Special mention must also go to Graham MacDuff – his performance as Trevor Graydon is a joy. The scene where Millie and Jimmy (Sam Barrett) find him roaring drunk after he thinks he’s been stood up by Dorothy (Katherine Glover) is an absolute hoot. Tears of laughter streamed down my face as this riotous romp unfolded. Clifton and Barrett as Millie and Jimmy make for the perfect coupling. They bounce off each other brilliantly and their dancing is an exceptionally beautiful highlight in this great fun production.
Thoroughly Modern Millie is a delight. Funny, feel-good and flippin’ fantastic! With stunning costumes, dazzling dance routines, a beautiful score and brilliant book, Millie quite literally has it all. We must thank and congratulate the cast and company for going ahead with the show in what must have been the most difficult of circumstances, you gave your heart and souls to Manchester last night, bringing joy and much needed laughter – a total toe-tapping treat from start to finish.
On at the Palace Theatre until Saturday for more information or to book tickets head to http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/thoroughly-modern-millie/palace-theatre-manchester/
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
0844 871 3019
