The story of failed cabaret singer Victoria, who finds fame as “female impersonator” Victor, has been around for a very long time and it gets gayer with every new adaptation.
The theme of gender confusion may date back to Shakespeare; but this treatment of it is very much a product of the sexual liberation of the Weimar Republic. The tale first came to the screen in the 1933 German film Viktor und Viktoria.
More films followed, notably Victor/Victoria (1982) with Julie Andrews in the title rôles, directed by her husband, Blake Edwards, best known for his Pink Panther movies.
This is the version that introduced a batch of openly gay characters including Toddy, the drag queen who persuades Victoria to re-invent her act.
Edwards and Andrews also collaborated on this stage version, a big hit on Broadway in 1985 until Andrews famously lost the singing voice she’s never regained. Without her, a West End run wasn’t likely, although the show did sneak into London at the little Bridewell theatre in 2004.
For his new adaptation, director Thom Southerland has added much gay-friendly innuendo (“You must have been in the Army”, “Once or twice”) as well as sexual politics more in keeping with Southwark in 2012 than Paris in the 1930s.
As Victoria, Anna Francolini has a part (a woman playing a man playing a woman) that’s almost impossible to play. At times she looks quite masculine in repose (think Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs); but we have to suspend our disbelief big time to accept her as a female impersonator.
Then again the plot requires Chicago gangster King Marchand (Matthew Cutts) to see through her deception. Richard Dempsey is too young to play washed-up drag act Toddy; but he’s adept at brittle throw-aways, one of which gets the biggest laugh of the show.
Choreographer Lee Proud also stages two great production numbers that fully utilise the Southwark Playhouse’s difficult playing area.
The bottom line is that Victor/Victoria doesn’t have the depth or the unforgettable score of its nearest relative, Cabaret. Nevertheless the chance to catch this slick production of a musical that probably will never be seen again shouldn’t be missed.
• Southwark Playhouse, Shipwright Yard, Tooley Street, SE1.
• Runs until 15th December. Tickets: 020 7407 0234 or www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
