“It was gripping, emotional and truly outstanding. A true 5 star performance and adaptation of Alice Sebolds wonderful novel.” – SmallHouseBigTrips
After seeing The Lovely Bones at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre last year and being absolutely blown away by it, I was very happy when I heard that it was returning this year with a remount from Melly Still. This Alice Sebold best seller and adaptation into a stage play by Bryony Lavery is a show that takes you on a whole rollercoaster of emotions. At one point you can be laughing and at the next point, wanting to reach for your tissues.
Gripping from the start – I still managed to leap a little off of my chair when it started, even though I knew what was coming – I won’t spoil why but that is the pure beauty of this show. You get immersed into it from the very beginning. So immersed that your eyes do not once leave the stage.
If you haven’t read the book or watched the film before, The Lovely Bones is a heart wrenching story about a 14 year old girl who is raped and brutally murdered in Pennsylvania, who then lives in her fantasy world version of heaven. A play that evokes a multitude of feelings, from fear, loss, sadness and even laughter in parts.
This years performance saw a return of the incredibly talented Charlotte Beaumont playing the main role of Susie Salmon and the flawless Jack Sandle who plays her father Jack Salmon. Both managed to bring the play to life again.
Nicholas Khan gave an outstanding performance as Mr Harvey, Huw Parmenter portrayed the roles of Sam and Len wonderfully and another notable performance was that of Samuel Gosrani who is making his professional stage debut as Ray and Holliday.
I could sit and sing the praises of every single person involved in tonights performance of The Lovely Bones, from Bryony Laverys amazing adaptation, Director Melly Stills wonderful ability to bring it all together and the absolutely amazing international award winning designer Ana Ines Jabares-Pita who managed to bring the stage to life with the most astounding (and perplexing) stage design that I have ever seen. It was gripping, emotional and truly outstanding. A true 5 star performance and adaptation of Alice Sebolds wonderful novel.
With a fantastic musical score including hits such as David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Talking Heads and Stylistics accompanying some outstanding acting, you really won’t want to miss out on seeing this show.
On at Birmingham Repertory Theatre until 21st September 2019, tickets from £15. Book Your Tickets here: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/the-lovely-bones.html
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press showing and have written an honest review of the show. I loved it and really think everyone should see this at least once in their life.
Photographs by: Pamela Raith