Lena
by Tim Whitnall
Feather Productions and Glass Handbag Productions
Assembly George Square: Gordon Aikman Theatre
August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In 1974, 10-year-old singing sensation Lena Zavaroni simultaneously won the nations hearts and 5 episodes of top TV Talent Show Opportunity Knocks. Becoming a star and a household name so young certainly took its toll. When we meet Lena in this new play by BAFTA and Olivier Award Winning writer Tim Whitnall it's 25 years later, 1999, and we discover a very different Lena, one for whom the glory days are long gone.
Lena is a compelling play with music which explores what happened to Lena in the intervening years. It features a live band and a five-strong cast including Erin Armstrong as Lena and Jon Culshaw as the '1970's Simon Cowell', Hughie Green.
I instantly connected with the story: Being from the west coast of Scotland myself the names, places and accents were all familiar to me and invoked a strong sense of nostalgia. I'm not so acquainted with the reasons why it all went wrong for Lena.... And I found this 90 minute play both fascinating and devastating.
Victor Zavaroni (Alan McHugh) seemed to be the only adult with any misgivings about sending such a young child alone, to London to be at the mercy of the cruel entertainment industry and its puppet masters. We are, thankfully, a lot less trusting of 'powerful' strangers nowadays. Alan McHugh gives such a brilliant performance as the likeable, hesitant cheerleader in Lena's life I was straight on the internet when I got home to check if her father is still alive.
Jon Culshaw is excellent as Hughie Green. A sort of sinister, Jekyll and Hyde character - sweet and warm in front of the cameras, he is portrayed as cold and calculating off screen. Did he ever realise what damage his throwaway comments had on Lena and possibly others just as vulnerable as her?
But it is Erin Armstrong as Lena who quite rightly steals this show. From bubbly, eager child star, to frail, desperate adult, Erin is exceptional from beginning to end. Her voice, her poise, her stage presence are all remarkable. I can scarcely believe that this is Erin's theatrical debut. Three times I have double checked that! But it's true. She is a superstar, and this production soars because she is the focal point.
The staging is clever with half of the stage doubling for the Zavaroni's modest home on Rothesay where they watch their daughter perform on a tiny TV screen; the rest hosts the stage and live band. It works well.
The music throughout this show is great, with many more recognisable classic tunes than I was expecting. There is plenty of joy and toe-tapping to be had along with the more sombre moments.
Learning about the details of Lena's illness and the multitude of treatments and medications she took in an attempt to save her life and reignite her career only serves to reinforce what an exceptional and strong young lady she was. Although set in the past, the themes of this play are absolutely still relevant today. Society remains obsessed with celebrity culture and many people still seek fame at any cost.
The standing ovation at the end of this play was enthusiastic and well deserved. I couldn't actually see the bows through my tears.
Lena is a beautiful show with an exceptional performance at its heart. I do hope this production lives on beyond the Fringe so that many more people have the chance to learn about Lena and her story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
When and Where?
Dates: 3 – 28 August (not 15th)
Time: 12:35pm
Venue: Assembly George Square: Gordon Aikman Theatre
Address: 32 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH
Price: £14.00 - £19.00
Box Office: www.edfringe.com / https://assemblyfestival.com
📸 Photos: Feather Productions
Lena CAST & CREATIVES
CAST
ERIN ARMSTRONG - LENA ZAVARONI
JON CULSHAW - HUGHIE GREEN
ALAN McHUGH - VICTOR ZAVARONI
JULIE COOMBE - HILDA ZAVARONI
HELEN LOGAN - DOROTHY SOLOMON
PRODUCERS
ANNA MURPHY FOR FEATHER PRODUTCIONS
JULIE COOMBE & JOHN MacNEILL FOR GLASS HANDBAG PRODUCTIONS
MICHAEL EDWARDS FOR MJE PRODUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY FESTIVAL
CREATIVES
BECKY MINTO – DESIGNER
LAURA HAWKINS – LIGHTING DESIGNER
PAUL SMITH – SOUND DESIGNER
MATTHEW BROWN – MUSICAL DIRECTOR & ARRANGER
ALISON McNEIL - VIOLINIST
Lena, Lena Zavaroni play review at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023. Erin Armstrong, Jon Culshaw, music.
🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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