Review of Marguerite - A Theatre Event hosted by The SaVVy Club^® 

We met for champagne in the Brumus Bar before the main event of the evening. The atmosphere amongst us was one of excited trepidation.We had gathered to watch the third performance of the new musical Marguerite. None of us had heard or read any reviews about it so we weren’t sure what to expect.

We were handed our complimentary programmes before making our way to the theatre and taking our seats. The auditorium was full. Being only the third performance there were obviously still a few gremlins in the wings as the show was ten minutes late starting. But as the lights dimmed, silence fell across the audience. 

The opening scene was very solemn and the story unfolded and moved quickly. Marguerite (Ruthie Henshall) is the French mistress of a high-ranking German officer in Nazi-occupied Paris. She is very popular because she can get petrol coupons and nylons and so forth. But at her fortieth birthday party she meets musician Armand (Julian Ovenden) who falls hopelessly in love with her. The musical follows their secret affair and the ensuing tragedy.

Unlike other musicals, Marguerite is not full of high octane dance numbers. It is altogether far more solemn and intense. By the time the interval came we all felt quite emotionally drained and were pleased to be escorted down to the stalls bar where champagne and a lovely selection of sandwiches were waiting for us.  

During the final act the intensity of the story grew and it became very emotional. It was very engaging but not for the faint-hearted as Marguerite and Armand spent most of the time on stage in bed. There were also scenes including a bomb explosion, attempted rape and physical violence – all far removed from your traditional view of a musical. The singing wasn’t bad. There were a couple of very good solos and an impressive section where three duets were intertwined together. As for the set, that was reflective of war-time.  

There was no standing ovation at the end of the performance; the audience seemed quite stunned by the intensity of the musical. It was quite an experience. It was a relief to step outside into the balmy evening as we headed for our final destination, the Mint Leaf.

The menu was Asian; a cross between Indian and Thai and therefore more fragrant than spicy hot which was beautifully complimented by some fine wines. The chef very kindly agreed to cook a little of each dish, so we could all try a bit of everything but the very generous helpings meant there was no room for dessert. A selection of herbal teas rounded off the evening.

Feedback from our members and guests:-

“It was a very nice evening well organized from beginning to end.” 
L Corbett, Research Director

“The Show was magical, the company cordial and the meal added perfection.  It was a wonderful opportunity to attend another West End Show.“
A Moss, Tax Mitigation Advisor

“Really enjoyed the evening. Good company. Perfect choice of restaurant after the show. You’ve got all the right ingredients.”
G Gabrielle, CEO

“It was a really lovely evening. The people were lovely too”.
D Harris-Heigho, Business Owner