Opening first in London in 1993, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of Billy Wilder’s Academy Award-winning seminal 1950 masterpiece Sunset Boulevard has toured extensively – and internationally – since its inception. With lyrics and book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, the musical builds upon the acclaimed film while retaining its sinister romance and harrowing tragedy.
Following its success on tour across the UK throughout 2017 and 2018, Made at Curve’s award-winning production of the musical has been recorded for home streaming – a perfect antidote to those Lockdown 3 blues. The compelling story of romance and obsession directed by Nikolai Foster sees Ria Jones reprise her role as the iconic silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond (originally played on screen by Gloria Swanson), with Danny Mac returning as Joe Gillis. The two leads are phenomenal, with Mac winning Best Actor at the Manchester Theatre Awards in 2018 for his performance in the production.
With a 16-piece orchestra – the largest to accompany a musical in the UK this year – joining the lavishly costumed cast and beautiful stage production, the play is a sumptuous thing of beauty that transports the viewer back to 1940s Hollywood. This is a flawless performance of an incredible adaptation of one of the best films in cinema history. How could anyone resist?
Sunset Boulevard in Concert is a truly mesmerising experience, packed with unforgettable songs, beautiful production values and compelling performances. It’s no surprise that the show won Best Regional Production at 2018’s WhatsOnStage Awards. With a big-screen adaptation of the musical set for the coming years starring Glenn Close, there is no time like the present to familiarise yourself with the gorgeous songs and the doomed romance of Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis.
Sunset Boulevard in Concert – at Home streams until 9th January 2021. Tickets are £20 per household. More info on this production can be found here.