What’s it all about?
Holly Golightly is the 1940s New York socialite the girls all want to be, and the guys all want to be with. Ever at the centre of conversation, hosting the most glam parties or sparkling at the top of the fashion tree, her unexpected entrance into the apartment of down-on-his-luck neighbour/writer Fred turns his life upside down, as his affection for her – and the return of a character from her shocking past – later return to haunt the unlikely duo.
Made famous by the 1961 rom-com movie adaptation, Truman Capote’s classic novella is here launched into the West End in a high-energy, vivacious play in the middle of a UK tour, and which sees pop superstar Pixie Lott – yes, THE Pixie Lott – imbue Golightly with her own brand of class, charm and sophistication. Très chic, mes chéris.
Who’s in it?
Have no doubts about it: this is the Pixie Lott show. Tackling a challenging role formerly played by Audrey Hepburn is a tall order for any performer, let alone one making her theatrical debut, but Lott breezes across the stage with all the magnetism, charisma and stage presence you could ask for. Giggles one minute to steely glares the next, Lott plays the characters around her, including Matt Barber’s bewildered Fred, with cool, customary confidence; as Golightly herself might say – no, would say – she’s a “darling.”
Bouncing off Lott’s charm frontier, fine performances also stem from the supporting cast, particularly in the form of Robert Calvert’s emotionally withered Doc, Melanie La Barrie’s eccentric Madame Spanella and Victor Maguire’s infatuated Joe Bell.
What should I look out for?
Matthew Wright’s meticulously detailed sets, costumes and designs providing a convincing snapshot of both economic sides of 1940s American high society.
Not so much something to look out for, but certainly to enjoy: Lott’s golden acoustic renditions of “People Say We’re In Love”, original song “Hold Up My Dying Day” and, of course, “Moon River”, see her pure stardust shimmer in the spotlight.
Bob the Cat – of Doctors, EastEnders and Children of Men fame, according to the programme – stealing many a mewment with claw-some cattitude and purrfect comic timing.
Who was in the press night crowd?
Take your pick of the glamorous names on the guest list: Kimberley Walsh, Denise van Outen, Kate Garraway, Rachel Stevens, Hannah Spearitt, Alesha Dixon and Andrew Castle were all in attendance. Golightly would be proud.
In a nutshell?
Pixie Lott takes centre stage in a Breakfast At Tiffany’s adaptation glittering with star quality and charisma.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Will I like it?
It’s easy to see how Breakfast At Tiffany’s has accumulated numerous fans throughout its UK tour, with its elegance, charm and class shining through.
Dress to impress, get down to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and bring your high society A-game – if a night of veritable stardust is your thing, then Breakfast At Tiffany’s is your show to see this summer season.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s plays at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17 September. You can book tickets through us here.