Theatre Review – The Kings Head Theatre
At the Kings Head Theatre from 17th October until 15th November, Fanny follows Fanny Mendelson’s journey from Germany to England when she intercepts a letter from Queen Victoria, intended for her brother Felix, inviting him to her court to play for her. Fanny takes his place because she feels that she has been passed over for far too long– resulting in heaps of hilarious shenanigans. Full of laughter and feminine strength, this play is written by Calum Finlay (Paddington Lo-Commotion & The Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure), this play has lots of heart and portrays a woman’s struggle to make herself heard in a world of men, in a comedically sincere way.
Charlie Russell (Fanny) gives a masterclass in comedy – especially during the elements of audience participation and improvisation. As well as this however, she also gives Fanny an emotional depth and a fallibility that makes the show feel richer. Kim Ismay (Lea), Jeremy Lloyd (Paul), Riad Richie (Wilhelm), Danielle Philips (Rebecka), and Daniel Abbott (Felix) are incredibly talented too. They all deliver such impeccable individual performances, and add a richness to the narrative that is needed when there is one too many puns, or a scene is a bit too long.
This play is directed by Katie-Ann McDonough (The Comedy About Spies), with Yshani Perinpanayagam (Showstopper!) as Musical Director & Composer, Sophia Pardon (Head Over Heels) as the Set and Costume Designer, and David Howe (Mischief Movie Night) as the Lighting Designer.
This was my first time at a pub theatre, and I enjoyed it immensely. I attended the second preview performance too, so the show will have been through some changes since. I will definitely be back to the Kings Head Theatre in the future!
Written by Helena Featherstone
Notes From Row H 
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