Review of Sunset Boulevard by Horse Box Theatre on the Isle of Wight

There was so much to commend it.

The theatre space was utilised in an unusual way, with the stage taken up nearly in its entirety by the orchestra. How fabulous, to put the musicians in the spotlight for a change!

The beauty of this show is in the music, and here Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpieces were put front and centre, led by musical director Steve Burton.

Charles Johnson as Joe Gillis (Image: Emma Wilkinson) This meant there wasn't so much emphasis on the set itself, but on the talents of the main cast, the movement and storytelling created by the ensemble, and the impressive special effects. 

All this felt fresh and exciting - it was a new bigger way of telling the well-known story.

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So to the characters. Faded, tormented former star Norma Desmond is one of the biggest stage roles going - and Hanna Emily Nixon absolutely nailed it with a truly powerhouse performance.

With imposing stage presence, incredible vocals and the right amount of vulnerability as the tragic has-been, she held the audience in the palm of her hand. 

It's not too far-fetched to think if Judy Garland had played Norma Desmond it would have looked something like this.

Joe Gillis, the young wannabe writer entrapped in the empty life of Ms Desmond, was played superbly by Charles Johnson. 

Despite the limited space on stage he put in a very physical performance, throwing himself into the character, body and soul. 

One of his scenes involved rain lashing down onto the stage. Yes - actual water pouring down.

Director Joe Plumb outside Shanklin Theatre, glowing red for Sunset Boulevard (Image: Emma Wilkinson)

Ashleigh Mackness played Joe's love interest - her beautiful voice and perfect diction in some tricky numbers making her a joy to watch.  

The talents of Steve Jones (most recently on that same stage as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera) shone through in the somewhat limited role of Max - but there was pathos and passion to be had and he delivered it.

The job of the ensemble was more than that of backing singers/dancers - they helped tell the story through sharp choreography created by Joe Alabaster. A particular shout-out goes to Robyn Cresswell as Young Norma - a terrific dancer.

Norma's descent into madness resulted in a tragic ending, accompanied by very dramatic sound and lighting effects.

Director Joe Plumb (who also played the Cecil B. DeMille cameo) can be highly commended for all aspects of this bold show.  

Thinking big has seen Horse Box Theatre evolve into not only taking on a physically big performing space but elevating what can be done with it. 

Joe gathered the cream of the Island's stage talent here and put on something extraordinary.