1940s New York is brought to life in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

1940s New York is brought to life in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Annie Johnson reviews Breakfast at Tiffany’s

I went to see Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Bristol Hippodrome this week. This touring production sees Georgia May Foot making her stage debut in the lead role of Holly Golightly. Georgia is perhaps best known for Coronation Street and last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

While all the publicity shots show Georgia looking very like Audrey Hepburn – brunette with black dress and pearls – it was somewhat surprising to see that she actually plays the role as a blonde.

Georgia May Foote as Holly Golightly

Georgia May Foote as Holly Golightly

Audrey Hepburn’s legendary performance in this role is so still strong in the collective memory and it will always be a tough act to follow. So forget Audrey and enjoy Georgia’s performance – flowing blonde locks and all. She makes a really good job of the songs and has a lovely voice.

The set moves between seedy bedrooms and bars and is technically very well done to create the feeling of New York apartment life. Matt Barber continues in the role of Fred – which he played in West End – and puts in a really good performance.

Victor McGuire is very convincing as the New York bartender Joe Bell and Robert Calvert’s Doc was great – he had an engaging innocence and vulnerability and the audience really took him to their hearts.  Bob the cat performed well too!

There is a finely tuned balance between highs and lows with some humour thrown in for good measure.

An enjoyable production that brings 1940s New York back to life on stage.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is currently on tour:

Sept 28th – Oct 2nd  Bristol, The Hippodrome
Oct 10th –  Oct 15th  Malvern, Festival Theatre
Oct 18th – Oct  22nd  Sheffield, The Lyceum Theatre
Oct 25th – Oct 29th  Brighton, Theatre Royal
Oct 31st – Nov 5th    Belfast, The Grand Opera House
Nov 7th – Nov 12th  Cardiff, The New Theatre
Nov 14th – Nov 19th  Norwich, The Theatre Royal