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Allam and Quast in La Cage Aux Folles
| Last night, Roger Allam and Philip Quast took to the Playhouse stage for there official press night in La Cage Aux Folles and were received with a standing ovation as a comic tour de force. Philip Quast originated the role of Georges in this production when it started at the the Menier Chocolate Factory last summer, and on his return almost a year after he left, he hasn’t lost it. His booming vibrato and imposing stage presence make him perfect as the extrovert master of ceremonies at La Cage Aux Folles, and this being the first time I had seen him in a comedic role, I was happily surprised by his knowing wit and faultless timing. Roger Allam also gave a hilarious turn as Georges’ lover Albin, again with impeccable comic timing. Oddly for a Les Miserables alumnus (both Allam and Quast have played Javert in the West End production), Allam suffered a few timing issues during the soaring standard I Am What I Am, but managed to pull it together for an astounding climax to Act 1. His emotional abilities made him a perfect partner for Quast, and as a couple they were funny, tactile and utterly believable. |
  l-r: Roger Allam as Albin/Zaza with les Cagelles; Philip Quast as Georges with Roger Allam |
| The Cagelles still serve as fantastic ambassadors for La Cage, and audiences could never be disappointed by their dazzling, inventive and hysterical routines and, dare I say it, their beauty. Impressive for six blokes in frocks, the disturbingly lithe Cagelles actually look more like women than most women I know and execute the show’s complex and visually breathtaking choreography with contagious and rampant energy. The ovation at the end was, as always, well earned, and hopefully marks the beginning of another hugely successful season for that little club on the Riviera, La Cage Aux Folles. The show is currently booking until January 2010 and you can get your tickets here. |
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