London 1929: Die Fledermaus Gets a Noël Coward Twist

Johann Strauss's beloved operetta, Die Fledermaus, has been imaginatively reset by director Liam Steel in London on New Year's Eve 1929. This new staging, utilizing Jeremy Sams's English lyrics and Douglas Carter Beane's book, aims for a louche Noël Coward-esque farce, replete with references to the era's socialites and wit. The production attempts to capture the 'anything goes' spirit of the late 1920s, infusing the classic Viennese tale with a distinctly British, aristocratic flavour.

While the concept offers sharp, tart lines and moments of physical comedy, the staging itself experiences a gradual build-up of its effervescence. Neil Irish's set designs, though featuring a more elaborate deco ballroom in the second act, sometimes lack the intended opulence or lose audience intimacy. The third act, set in a police station, proves a comedic high point, with a memorable turn from Robert Burt as the affable bobby. Vocal performances are generally strong, particularly from Rebecca Bottone as the chambermaid Adele and Clare Presland as the socialite Orlofsky, though the orchestra's volume occasionally overwhelms the singers.