Reviewer: Daniel Shipman
Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tell Me On A Sunday is not one of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s most well-known musicals, but there are rewards here for anyone who dares to dig a little deeper into the Lord’s catalogue. Detailing the turbulent love life of Emma, the plot covers her various love affairs from New York to LA. It can get repetitive at times, but the songs prevent this from becoming too annoying.
Jodie Prenger deftly brings out the humour and resilience in the role.
It’s no mean feat to pull off a one-act, one-woman show but Jodie Prenger does it with ease. The character of Emma is a tricky one, with the potential for her to come across as petulant and unlikeable, but Prenger deftly brings out the humour and resilience in the role.
Whilst the themes of the show are timeless, Lloyd-Webber’s music does date it at times. The songs range from sublime to frustrating, but the peaks are surely some of his finest work, complemented by Don Black’s witty and concise lyrics.
An enjoyable night at the theatre.
After the interval, Prenger takes questions from the audience and performs a selection of Lloyd-Webber’s other work alongside her understudy, Jodie Beth Meyer. Both are gifted vocalists and it’s a treat to be able to see the talents of an understudy rather than them being hidden away backstage. Prenger really shines here with her natural charisma and personality shining through in her improvised reactions to the audience.
Whilst you could accuse the musical of being a little superficial at times with its short running time, combined with the post-show Q&A and songs, they make for an enjoyable night at the theatre.
-Daniel Shipman
Tell Me on a Sunday runs at The Lowry until Saturday 23 October 2021.