John Hartoch, director of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School's 2005 showcase piece 'Company' suggests the musical is 'a rare phenomenon'. This year's students do justice to Stephen Sondheim's excellent, witty writing.

'Company' was originally an evening of eleven one-act plays George Furth had written for actress Kim Stanley; some of the plays centred around the marriages of Furth's Southern Californian friends. In 1969, looking for advice, Furth showed the plays to Sondheim who, in turn, sent them to a friend who suggested turning the plays into a musical. The result proved to be a sophisticated comedy about five wealthy, intellectual New York couples and their mutual friend - a bachelor.

As the house lights dim we enter into bachelor Bobby's apartment. Couples converge for his 'surprise' 35th birthday with the intention of urging Bobby to find a wife. Oliver J. Hembrough's portrayal of the confused 'Bobby' captures wonderfully the dichotomy between one's need for relationship and the pursuit of freedom.

Throughout the play, our young players allow the superb script to work for itself. The audience is encouraged to become observers of the action alongside Bobby. We see the dilemmas in his friends marriages both for ourselves and through his eyes. As each couple attempts to influence Bobby, the truths within their own situations are revealed.

The set is quite excellent with just enough versatility. Props are used simply and to good effect. Lighting is clever, well cued - and never intrusive. Sondheim's music is not generally contagious enough for the audience to leave the theatre humming and this is no exception. Whilst Neil Rhoden's musical direction was generally skilful, brash, brass discords occasionally drown the lyrics. Choreography is predictable and lacks spontaneity.

However, as a whole, the show is worth a visit. The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has been the starting point for many of our premier actors in Britain today. If you have a free evening, tickets to the oldest working theatre in England are good value for money for this production.

Story**** 
Music***
Choreography***
Costumes***
Technical***
Cast***
Direction**** 
Overall***

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