Review of Quality Street at Royal & Derngate (Royal), Northampton

Before J. M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan he was actually more famous for the now little know farce Quality Street. Written in 1901 and set during Napoleonic times about a hundred years before that, this is a rather fabulous if extremely lightweight play. The play itself is now hardly ever performed, with this production from Northern Broadside and the New Vic Theatre one of the very few professional productions since the Second World War. including only one since then in London. It feels very unfair on the play considering that it is rather good entertainment, and nice to have a charge from the same endlessly regurgitated shows that come round and round like a bad penny.

The story tells of two sisters who start a school "for genteel children", following one of the sister's "suiter" heading off to serve in the war. That suiter Captain Valentine Brown however wasn't really interested in the sister Phoebe Throssel though, or was he? Much confusion ensues when Phoebe's niece Livvy "appears" culminating in much hilarity.

In addition to J. M. Barrie's original play, this new version from director Laurie Sansom captures anecdotes and play opinions from Halifax workers at the Quality Street chocolate factory that this play inspired the name of. It is an interesting and entertaining aspect of the show and gives modern commentary upon the play as the cast members play representations of these people in the show. They open the proceedings, provide set changes and further play comments, and finally discuss the play at the end with the characters of Barrie's play. It is a unique premise and generally works extremely well.

Leading the cast as Phoebe is a delightfully strong performance from Paula Lane, sharp clarity of delivery, and full to the brim of the period, with the exception of her brilliant anachronistic dance moves. Aron Julius as Captain Brown has a great towering presence, vocally strong and cutting a fine figure. His comic touches also are sublime, with a first-class moment in his removal of Livvy late in the second act.

Louisa-May Parker gives a suitably mousey performance as Susan, Phoebe's sister, and her reaction and handling of that Livvy moment (it is the best scene of the play, so my apologies for the second mention) is totally priceless and resulted in tears of laughter from this reviewer. Gilly Tompkins as Patty, and indeed factory worker Barbara, is also hilarious, effortlessly stealing every scene she appears in. The rest of the cast also delight in this very strong company, with no bad egg among them.

Jessica Worrall's set design is a curiosity, nicely dressed with furniture, albeit, somewhat plain at times, but structured by a very strange metal framework including gates. It works, but only just. Where perhaps the lavish beauty of the piece is lost on the set, it is very much found in the work of the costume design team, particularly the gowns for the ball designed like the chocolate wrappers of Quality Street. A nice touch. Add to this, some rather curious, but entertaining child puppets, and you have a nicely visually appealing show.

Quality Street is lovely entertainment, and it is a crying shame that it is rarely performed. It attempts nothing ground-breaking, but just simply entertains in a gentle way, but also provides a few truly cracking moments of humour. A sweetly delightful piece of theatre.

Absolutely spiffing and relaxing entertainment!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Tuesday 4th April 2023 at the Royal & Derngate (Royal), Northampton.

Quality Street is at Royal & Derngate until 8th April 2023.

For further details about the Royal & Derngate and to book tickets see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Production photos: Andrew Billington