BWW Reviews: PUTTING IT TOGETHER, St James Theatre, January 15 2014

After a glorious limited run at Guildford's G Live last year, Stephen Sondheim's review Putting It Together finally makes its London debut.

David Bedella, Daniel Crossley, Janie Dee, Damian Humbley and Caroline Sheen have a gamut of West End and international credits to their name, and it's a delight to see them at the St James Theatre in a piece which is a fantastic showcase for such gifted performers.

It's probably unfair to pick a star of such an ensemble piece, but Janie Dee, as always, shines, and gives us a masterclass in comic acting through song, running from seductive (in a hilarious 'Everybody Ought To Have A Maid' with Daniel Crossley) to arch (in a fantastically snide 'There's Always A Woman' with Caroline Sheen).

The entire quintet, though, are a treat, particularly in the five-part harmony for 'Being Alive'; and their camaraderie is clear as they open with 'Putting It Together' and close with 'Old Friends'.

As an aside, the St James is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting spaces in town, with its lovely stage and its slinky studio in the basement. Congratulations to all involved.

Putting It Together runs at the St James Theatre until Feb 1.