Fanny & Stella at Above the Stag Theatre | Review

Victorians Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park were known and adored as Fanny and Stella. They dazzled in female roles on our nation’s stages – and in clubs and bedrooms from London to the Highlands. Tonight – for one night only! – they present the shocking story of their own rise to fame and fall from grace, via a scandalous trial.

Roll up, roll up for a riotous show about two young friends who to dared to be themselves – whatever the cost.

Fanny and Stella are the LGBT hero’s you never knew you were missing and with a story this strong it’s hard to belive they are not more well known.  With this year being the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a huge milestone in LGBTQ+ rights, it’s the perfect time to get these two’s fasinating story into the national consciousness.  

The lives of these two friends is told in a Victorian review style musical which perfectly fits the storyline and lives of these two performers.  This allows the audience to be addressed directly which quickly makes the audance fall for their charm and humour.  The story unfolds from the their early life right through to their controversial court case, teaming with energy throughout.  The writting of this show is near perfectiong and it’s idilic pacing means you don’t wan to mis a second.  The courtroom scenes and it’s corisponding song being a real highlight of the show but the whole performance is a joy, while similtaniosuly being highly emotive.  This level of excelence is matched in the set and costume which are fully detailed and completly infitting with the show.

Every performer really feels on top of their game in this performance this allows the true heart behind this show really play out.  It’s a show that has you smiling throughout and almost in tears at the end.  

To be frank this show expertly is well written, sung and acted, it’s the ultimate theatre triple threat!  It’s a contender for one of my favourate shows of the year and you’ll be humming ‘Sodemy on the Strand’ for weeks to come.  Fanny & Stella is on at the Above the Stage Theatre until the 2nd of June, tickets are £25.00

Tickets were recived in exchange for review