Theatre Review: Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre
Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Image Credit: Marc Brenner.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
The Savoy Hotel, a bastion of luxury and opulence, was the perfect setting for a night of pure theatrical enchantment. As the historic hotel's doors opened an electrifying buzz filled the air—the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime evening at the opening night of ‘Sunset Boulevard: The Musical’ starring none other than the mesmerizing Nicole Scherzinger.
As the curtains parted at the Savoy Theatre, revealing a set evocative of the golden era of Hollywood, the collective gasp of the audience was audible. And then, as if conjured by the silver screen itself, Nicole Scherzinger, draped in black silk, emerged from the shadows to personify the enigmatic Norma Desmond. The very essence of the evening was captured in that moment, a promise that the London's West End had never witnessed a performance quite like this. In that breath-taking instant, as the spotlight caressed Scherzinger's silhouette, her star power became immediately evident. As the celebrated frontwoman of the Pussycat Dolls and a vocalist with a global reputation, she has long commanded the world's attention.
Her presence on the West End stage, however, was a revelation, reminding us that some talents transcend the confines of genre. Scherzinger's voice, renowned for its power and versatility, resonated through the Savoy Theatre with unmatched brilliance. Songs like ‘With One Look,’ ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye,’ and ‘The Perfect Year’ were more than mere songs—they became profound emotional narratives, delivered with a magnetic depth that only an artist of Scherzinger's stature could achieve. Her vocals, a celestial gift, weren't just impressive; they were haunting, mirroring Norma's own complicated past with an eerie precision that sent shivers through the audience. But Scherzinger's performance wasn't limited to her vocals. Her acting prowess was equally transformative.
Inhabiting the complex character of Norma Desmond, she guided the audience on a mesmerizing journey, oscillating between vulnerability, obsession, and an all-consuming passion. Her portrayal was a masterclass in theatre, effortlessly capturing the fragility of Norma's psyche while leaving the audience spellbound. The chemistry between Scherzinger and her leading man, Joe Gillis (Tom Francis,) was electric. Their on-stage partnership, palpable from the very beginning, unfolded into a relationship that was turbulent, intense, and thoroughly believable. The audience became voyeurs to the dramatic, tumultuous bond that unravelled between the two characters, setting the stage for a heart-wrenching denouement. The live orchestra, under the guidance of a skilful conductor, elevated the musical to new heights. The rich, harmonious sound of the orchestra added depth and emotion to the narrative, reinforcing the power of live music in the theatre.
The second act, delving into Norma's descent into madness, showcased Scherzinger's profound acting range. Her performance was both heart-wrenching and spine-tingling, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, from profound sympathy to gasps of shock, all culminating in the poignant climax that left many in tears.
When the final notes of ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ resonated through the Savoy Theatre, the audience erupted in a standing ovation. Nicole Scherzinger had left an indelible mark on every heart present. Her performance was more than a triumph; it was a theatrical revelation, showcasing exceptional range and her ability to conquer such a demanding role with unrivalled grace and intensity.
Sunset Boulevard is now playing at Savoy Theatre until 06 January 2024. Tickets available here.