The Story of My Life
Seen at the Stage Door Theatre in London
Marking its UK premiere, The Story of My Life was originally staged off-Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for four Drama Desk Awards. It’s a rare, two-hander musical that follows the childhood friendship of Alvin and Thomas, through a series of flashbacks, as Thomas attempts to write Alvin’s eulogy.
Neil Bartram (music and lyrics) and Brian Hill (book) have woven a charmingly romantic musical of unrequited love. And under Robert McWhir’s direction, Markus Sodergren (Thomas) and Tim Edwards (Alvin) portray the chapters in their lives that has shaped their friendship. The relationship between the two characters is always perfectly believable and McWhir has ensured that none of the flashbacks to when the two characters were children ever becomes mawkish or childish: just innocent. Both performers possess voices of the highest quality, perfectly able to switch where needed to portray themselves as either adult or child. Mention must also go to David Shields’ all white stage design, which stylishly reflects the underlying theme of death. And how lovely to have a live chamber orchestra to further enhance the senses.
Thank you to Lambco for bringing this wonderful musical to the UK.
Daryl Bennett