Review: One Night With Joan at the Leicester Square Theatre
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One Night With Joan
Leicester Square Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 12th April 2013 (Press Night)
Legendary Hollywood star Joan Collins has
returned to London with her one woman show. One Night With Joan is a night like
no other.
Perhaps Joan is most famous for starring
in Dynasty (or as she calls it: Battle of the Shoulder Pads) but she doesn't
speak about the show in much detail until the second act. She begins at the
very beginning, talking about her happy upbringing. What I admired most about
the show was Joan's honesty. She tell stories truthfully, not dressing things up
too much. Joan is not afraid to laugh at herself which adds a great deal of fun
to proceedings.
Not only does Joan talk about the good times
but she also talks about the bad. After her career in Hollywood ended she
struggled to find work and then later on in her career she had an awful time
when her book publishers attempted to sue her. She talks mainly about her career
although she does mention her personal life on several occasions, the balance is
perfect.
The script has been carefully written to
coincide with lots of pictures, short clips and montages. This keeps the show
fast-paced and intriguing, there is plenty to see. I particularly enjoyed two
montages, one showing all the legendary cat-fights from Dynasty and the other
features a number of out-takes from Dynasty, showing Joan's fun side. Also some
of the commercials she has taken part in over the years
are absolutely hilarious!
My favourite part of the evening was the
Question and Answer session at the end. Joan introduces her husband, Percy
Gibson, who asks Joan a number of questions on behalf of audience members. It
was fascinating to finally see Joan more relaxed and at ease, she has great
chemistry with her husband and seemed generally happy and content with life. I
just wish this section was longer!
Performing a one woman show must be exhausting
but for Joan it seems like a walk in the park. Joan proves what a superstar she
is as not once did she forget a line and she rarely even stumbled. If you have
followed Joan's career you will absolutely love this show. It is interesting and
funny but most importantly intimate, providing far more than you could ever get
from reading an autobiography.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins
(Editor)
One Night With Joan runs at the Leicester Square Theatre on 14th, 26th,
27th and 28th April 2013. Please visit www.leicesterquaretheatre.com for further information and to
book tickets.
Tour Dates
Tour Dates
Tuesday 16th April, G Live, Guildford
Wednesday 17th April, Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Friday 19th April, The Anvil, Basingstoke
Saturday 20th April, Town Hall, Birmingham
Sunday 21th April, The Lowry, Salford
Tuesday 23th April, The Arena, St Albans
Wednesday 24th April, The Pavilion, Bournemouth
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