Story, cast and set have Star Quality in abundance (From News Shopper)

Story, cast and set have Star Quality in abundance at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley

3:49pm Thursday 29th March 2012 in Reviews By Nikki Jarvis

Wild horses couldn’t keep me from seeing Star Quality when I heard about the play’s cuddly leading lapdog Lola.

So off we went to The Churchill Theatre, Bromley to see legendary Noël Coward’s last play – and I’m sorry to say, although the doggy diva was adorable, she was truly outshone by the stellar cast.

From the get go it was clear Star Quality, led by national treasure Liza Goddard, had exactly that.

You might think a story written in the 50s and adapted for the stage in 1967 would be dated, but that couldn’t be further from the truth in this case.

Coward’s witty script and deeply developed characters had us totally hooked and giggles from the audience proved everyone appreciated the hilarious, sharp humour.

The play takes us behind the scenes of a new West End production written by first-time author Bryan Snow, played by Bob Saul.

Behind the red-curtain glamour, Coward conjures up a wickedly observant satire of talent and treachery, with a gallery of flamboyant characters – none funnier than the camp-as-Christmas Tony Orford played by extraordinarily gifted Anthony Houghton.

A mercurial leading lady (Goddard) and her director Ray Malcolm (Daniel Casey from Midsomer Murders) engage in a battle of egos which will make or break the production – and possibly the rest of the cast.

The seamless scene changes, during which stage hands became part of the show, were incredible – the direction of this play is certainly the cleverest I have ever seen.

I felt blessed to be sitting in the second row from the front as the priceless expressions on Liza Goddard’s face spoke a thousand words.

It was so easy to get swept up in the story it felt as though the show flew past in one exciting moment.

Daniel Casey told the News Shopper: “In the theatre you get the chance to explore a character for longer – he’s radically different from when I first started.

“He develops even more, otherwise you’d be dreadfully bored.

“It all becomes second nature and thing happen by accident that you decide to keep.”

And it was obvious this passionate actor has been working his magic on his character since the show began at the end of last year.

If it’s an intelligent, funny and glamorous night you’re looking for, Star Quality has it all.

Please don’t miss out on the chance to see this marvellous play, which runs until Saturday at The Churchill.

For bookings visit atgtickets.com