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Liz Hoggard's rating
, Magic on the mean streets
By
Liz Hoggard
17 Oct 2008
It’s a daring musical that tackles prostitution, homelessness and addiction. Rue Magique, which opens at the King’s Head Theatre next Wednesday, was originally conceived by composer and lyricist Brett Kahr as a short musical piece, and inspired by the London charity, The Kids Company. It was performed in the presence of the Prince of Wales in 1999.
Since then it has been developed into a full-length musical by Kahr in collaboration with Lisa Forrell, who has also written the book and directs the show. Based on true stories, it explores the complex relationship between Desdemona, a south London prostitute, and her troubled 13-year-old daughter, Sugar.
Leading the cast are musical veterans Melanie LaBarrie as Desdemona, Terel Nugent as Rem, Sugar’s boyfriend, and newcomer Nadia Di Mambro as Sugar.
It’s undeniably gritty but there’s plenty of brio — not many lyricists would rhyme “lubrication” with “frustration”. Or include the lyric: “When you’re threatened by a junkie/strike a pose and look quite funky.” (Wonder what the Prince made of that one?)
The hit musical, Into the Hoods, has already proved London can cope with a gritty urban storyline. Here’s hoping Rue Magique (Creole for street magic) can cast a similar spell.
29 October-7 December. Information: 0870 890 0149.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
Wow! I have just returned from seeing Rue Magique and I was utterly blown away by it. I laughed and cried and was thoroughly moved by the performance. Desdemona (the mother) was so powerful,strong and controlling at first, then at the end allowed us, and her daughter Sugar, to know the trauma that lies beneath her tough brothel-keeper exterior. The music was stunning and the lyrics moving, yet sometimes hilarious!
Having read some reviews that stated that telling the story of child prostitution in a musical somehow trivialises the whole subject, I couldn't disagree more - setting the story to music, allowing the characters to tell their stories in song, only strengthens the message of the emotional damage that is done to some young people who are forced to live in this way.
- Claire, London, 05/11/2008 00:14
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Being Gay myself there was nothing in this play that was offensive! The Songs were well sung with the mother and daughter leads giving powerful performances. The reprise in the second half left many of the audience with tears in their eyes me included. The play tackles serious issues interspersed with humour. I regularly go to the theatre and this is one of the best things I have seen this year and would not hesitate to recommend it.
- Martin, London, 01/11/2008 11:57
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The performances were so strong it was easy to forget the dreadful lyrics.
The comedy songs were soo funny and kept the afternoon from being too intense.
- Jayne, London, 29/10/2008 22:43
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Absolutely wonderful. Moving, brilliant, deep, funny, charming, shocking- a real, gripping theatre.
- A. Simpson, London, 29/10/2008 22:34
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This is a profoundly moving authentic musical with superb performances,faultless direction and acting. And at the core are true experiences. I am sorry James did not find it to his taste and that it rang true- but it has rung true to me and countless others who work in the field of childhood trauma and the lives of sex workers and also to sex workers who have visited the show and been moved by it. This is not about "happy hookers with hearts of gold" and nor is it a melodrama. It is the truth of a group who live their lives hidden from sight and who deserve to have their voices heard. This is a work of genius.
- Valerie Sinason, London, 29/10/2008 14:38
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I think this is one of the most boring and awful shows i've been to. i found it offensive on lots of levels (insulting to women, blacks, gays and oh just about everyone!) Even though its meant to be based on true stories, it just didn't ring true. It went on for so long, i was squirming with embarasment! I read somewhere the composer is a psychiatrist he should stick to his day job!
- James, London, 27/10/2008 13:51
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