Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theatre favourite Rob Madge has had quite the year. Having built a devoted fan base with their hilarious online videos, their beautiful show My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) has entertained audiences for years even if this year’s dates were not quite what they had in mind. Ahead of a return to this year’s London Palladium, Rob steps in to a new role to remind us just how talented they are as a performer. Returning to London after more than 9 years, would the Barba Streisand-centric Buyer &Cellar prove Evergreen or is this one show that should have stayed as a Memory?
Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar premiered in 2013, playing off-Broadway until 2014 and enjoying a season in London at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2015. This one-person-show tells the story of out-of-work actor Alex More who gets the job of every gay man’s dreams (or nightmares, you decide) when he finds himself working at the shopping mall in Barbra Streisand’s basement (itself a real thing). With the hours long and only one customer to serve, unlikely relationships form and are tested as Alex faces the oddest of all jobs.
If that brief synopsis sounds bizarre, that is probably quite fitting for this ridiculously surreal story. While the existence of the mall is real and elements of the show are lifted from Barbra Streisand’s seminal classic book ‘My Passion For Design’, Buyer & Cellar is prefaced by clarifying that these events never actually happened and are a fictionalised fantasy. The fact you buy into the absurdity of it all, believing the eccentric behaviour could be at all possible is a testament to Jonathan Tolins’ fabulous writing.
Gloriously camp and utterly strange in places, Tolins has a knack for great writing, never straying far from the funny while keeping the storytelling factor in full force. Teasing nuggets of Alex’s character which unravel as the play progresses, this narrative is weaved with the brief moments of Streisand’s magnificence in her sporadic appearances in her own mall. Crucially, Buyer & Cellar remains consistent throughout, whether Alex is on his own, counting down the hours, or engaged in a haggling session with his favourite customer (who by default would also be his least favourite). While Alex may find himself bored at times, the audience are never in danger of joining that feeling.
The one-liners and punchlines come thick and fast with the knowledge you are never far away from the next riotous laugh. Tolins’ writing also carries with it more depth than may first be aware on the surface as dynamics in Alex’s private life are played out, and insecurities of both Alex and Barbra are teased. The comedy is always at the forefront though and if you are looking for a fun and predominantly care-free show, Buyer & Cellar ticks all of the boxes found in Barbra’s gift shoppe. Streisand fans will also be entertained with all of the references, quotes and nods to her illustrious career peppered throughout the play, with plenty for musical theatre fans to enjoy too.
Holding the fort (well, mall) for the entirety of the play is Rob Madge, never leaving the stage for approximately the 1 hour 40 minutes singular act. A truly gifted performer in their own right, I have been more used to seeing them as themselves in shows My Son’s A Queer and Regards To Broadway so seeing them take on the character of Alex was a stark reminder of what a fantastic talent they are with many strings to their bow. Naturally comedic, Madge finds the funny at every opportunity with knowing looks to the audience and a warmth that endears them to everyone who is lucky enough to watch them in action in a winning and captivating performance. Bringing heart and humour to Tolins’ writing, Madge embodies Alex in a believable performance that impresses throughout. To perform without any company for an uninterrupted 100 minutes is impressive in itself but adding in to the mix that Madge has to go from Alex to boyfriend Barry to house manager Sharon to Streisand herself without missing a beat shows Madge at their very best, demonstrating their immeasurable talents, versatility as a performer and exemplifying why they have become such a well- loved performer in the industry.
With the recently opened new King’s Head Theatre reconfigured so that three sides of the stage are surrounded, giving a more intimate feel that works better than its previous form. Kirk Jameson directs the action marvellously, finding the best ways to bring Tolins’ words to life and connect with the audience, using Rob Madge for all of their comedic strengths too in a production where every element feels perfectly in-tune to each other. Sound design from Emily Rose Simons underscores parts of the monologue with some instantly recognisable tunes (even getting the briefest of singing from Rob) while Jack Weir ensures the production is always beautifully lit.
In Buyer & Cellar, Jonathan Tolins has created a fantastic piece of writing full of humour and a glittering addition to the Barbra Streisand mystique. However, it is the spellbinding performance from Rob Madge here that elevates this production to something truly special. Masterfully acted and sensationally written, I may not have been in the basement of Barbra Streisand’s home but I would happily spend repeated days in the basement of this small Islington theatre watching this exceptional show.
Buyer & Cellar plays at the King’s Head Theatre until 19th October. It then plays at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 29th October – 3rd November.
Tickets from www.kingsheadtheatre.com and www.theatreroyal.com
Photos by Genevieve Girling
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