Maureen Lipman charms in a gentle, uplifting new musical play.
⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
Named after the Italian musical term meaning joyful, Allegra lives up to her name. She is an irrepressibly optimistic older woman who experiences the world through music, regularly bursting into song wherever she goes. Sometimes the orchestra exists only in her imagination; at other times her spontaneous performances spill into real life, much to the bewilderment of those around her.
As concerns grow about Allegra's behaviour, her devoted brother, Ronen, and her compassionate carer, Anna, are faced with an impossible dilemma. They want to keep her safe and shield her from an increasingly intolerant world, but fear that trying to suppress her joyful spirit could mean losing the very essence of who she is.
What we loved
It's true that Allegra is an uplifting experience. It's difficult to suppress the genuine smile that appears every time Allegra breaks into song.
The production is created and performed with enormous heart, with Maureen Lipman delivering a wonderfully warm, tender and engaging central performance. She brings wit and vulnerability in equal measure, creating a character whose optimism feels entirely genuine. When Allegra lets us know that she knows what's happening, it is hard not to be emotionally moved.
We also particularly enjoyed Elizabeth Bower as Czech carer Anna who brought a lot of warmth and grit to the role.
One of the show's most delightful devices is the way the set transforms whenever Allegra sings. Rain falls, tulips bloom and the world around her shifts to reflect the emotion and imagery of each song. These moments add a touch of theatrical magic to Allegra’s inner performance.
Anything we'd change?
While an interesting premise, at times the writing felt a little restrained and there was room for the play to go further. This also carried over into the sung numbers, where Stephen Mear’s choreography and staging could have been bolder.
Surprisingly, Maureen Lipman seemed a little uncertain at times, particularly during a couple of the larger musical numbers.
Who would enjoy it?
Anyone looking for an evening that celebrates hope, imagination and the simple joy of live performance. Fans and admirers of Maureen Lipman will enjoy the play.
Who created it?
Allegra is a new comedy with music by acclaimed playwright Peter Quilter, best known for End of the Rainbow and Glorious!. The production is directed and choreographed by three-time Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear. The production features set and costume design by Justin Williams, lighting design by Samuel Biondolillo, sound design by Russell Ditchfield and video design by Ben Bull (Big Tele).
Verdict
Allegra may be modest in scale, but it possesses a generous heart, a genuinely uplifting spirit and a wonderfully charming central performance from Maureen Lipman.