Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Arriving at the Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer is one of the world’s most iconic stories. Ever since Audrey Hepburn graced the screen as Miss Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s has become a cultural phenomenon. However, anyone going to see this particular production in the hopes of getting a retelling of that exact story will be disappointed. Director Nikolai Foster has decided to present a narrative that remains a lot more honest to the book, written by Truman Capote, as well as adding small scenes.

New York, 1940. Centred around the struggling writer who Holly christens after her brother Fred, the story tells of an “American Geisha”, as Capote described her, who enters Fred’s life via his bedroom window. Their friendship remains on-and-off for the next few months as Fred watches Holly go from man to man, from party to party. Yet, occasionally, their paths cross and the audience gets a glimpse under the surface of the elusive character of Holly Golightly.

One name that cannot be avoided is Pixie Lott, who plays the famed protagonist. Not only does she take on the lead role, she also emblazons the show’s programme, advertising boards and website. This four-time BRIT Award nominated singer certainly has the voice for such a part and the song Moon River, which was made so famous by Audrey Hepburn’s rendition in the film, is incredibly powerful. Lott’s three songs are the high points of the show as, unfortunately, she fails to live up to her character in other aspects. The “Golightly-charm” is missing from her performance, which is sadly unconvincing and lacks emotion. Matt Barber’s performance of Fred, her counterpart, is equally awkward, as the young actor maybe too eagerly embraces the pathetic side of Fred and so delivers a somewhat shaky portrayal of him.

The set design is beautiful and transports the viewer into the 40s in New York. Regrettably this is not enough to capture the viewer, yet Breakfast at Tiffany’s still provides light-hearted entertainment with definite musical highlights.

 

Luisa Kapp

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is on at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 30^th June until 17^th September 2016. Book your tickets here.