BWW Reviews: SOME GIRL I USED TO KNOW, King's Theatre, Edinburgh, March 10 2014
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Mar. 11, 2014
Stephanie is a successful underwear designer on the press night for the launch of her new range. She is alone in her hotel room and questioning the absence of her husband on her big night when she receives a facebook message from an old flame. As the plot unravels Stephanie reminisces about her first love and whether she has made the right choices in life.
It is inevitable that a one-woman musical theatre production starring Denise Van Outen is bound to be compared to a certain Andrew Lloyd Webber show. Some Girl I Used To Know contains one original song but the rest are "hits" from the late 80s and it really didn't bring anything to the show.
It takes a lot of talent to carry something like this and Denise Van Outen certainly succeeds. She manages to hold audience attention and her voice is fantastic. It was just a shame the soundtrack choice left a lot to be desired and the backing track was a little too loud in some places. Unfortunately, the script is also a bit of a let down. The jokes mostly fall flat and I don't think they are as "outrageous" as they are intended to be.
The first act is light and sets the tone as your typical fluffy, fun romantic comedy. However, the second act takes a bit of a dark turn and this is where Denise really excels. Her monologue was faultless throughout but act two requires a more intense performance which she delivers with ease. Tell Me On A Sunday this is not, but it made for a pleasant evening of entertainment.
Some Girl I Used To Know has limited dates towards the end of its run - information available here.
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