Frank's Closet Review - Green Room Reviews

September 9, 2024

Frank’s Closet Review

3rd – 14th September 2024

Have you ever fantasised about finding Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter and Julie Andrews in your closet? Thanks to the creative mind of Stuart Wood, this bizarre dream is now a stark reality as the playwright immortalises these musical divas, and many others, in new musical, Frank’s Closet.

“The casting of the musical is perfect with electric chemistry shooting between the characters throughout the entire performance”

Frank, played by Andy Moss, is on the precipice of eternal monogamy with his husband-to-be, Alan, when he starts to get cold feet. He is in the process of clearing out his closet which is full to the brim with the outfits of gay icons from the past as he makes room for the next chapter in his life. Taking place over one evening, Frank relives his journey to self-acceptance with the help of the Gaiety Girls and a plethora of musical divas.

The casting of the musical is perfect with electric chemistry shooting between the characters throughout the entire performance. Luke Farrugia, who plays the Diva, is simply exceptional as he breathes life into a variety of musical divas from the 20th century. Despite the part being enormously demanding, Farrugia struts and strides into each of the many performers he is challenged to play, doing so in a truly marvellous fashion.

Wilton’s Music Hall makes for a perfect backdrop to this gorgeously camp piece of theatre. The orchestra is nestled in the corner of the stage furthering the intimacy of the show as the vivacious and charming soundtrack reverberates round the room. With the orchestra playing in such close proximity to the audience, there are moments in which some of the dialogue is lost as they are over-powered by the instruments.

The set is extremely nostalgic, reminiscent of something from a doll’s house with the dazzling closet taking centre stage. The entire production is cozy yet exciting with the costumes being one of the main focal points throughout the duration for all the right reasons. The gaiety girls are aptly dressed in garish colours and brightly coloured wigs which contributes to the overall appearance of the production.