Christopher Walker reviews the new musical Mimma

David Suchet has become a national institution thanks to his hugely successful portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot on TV.

He has leant his name to Mimma, a ‘new musical of war and friendship,’ which recently had its UK premier in London, performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Given the current tragic events in Ukraine, it is hugely relevant.

It is an unusual piece combining opera and musical theatre, but it was very enjoyable thanks to a glittering array of stars from both worlds.

Mimma originally came to life as a collaboration between two Australian creatives – John Watson the librettist, and Ron Siemiginowski (Composer & Producer).

Both of them shared a fascination with the Second World War and its aftermath which led so many people to seek refuge in Australia (including Siemiginowski’s own parents).

The plot concerns one Italian family’s struggles during the conflict.

The Frassatis are a publishing family led by patriarch Alfredo played by David Suchet.

He says, “what resonated with me, was the underlining message of courage, truth, family bonds and the power of friendships.”

As ever he gives a superb performance, and his considerable presence gives the production gravitas.

He narrates proceedings in a deep gravel voice.

As Mussolini tightens his grip on Italy, Alfredo’s daughter Mimma, a young journalist, takes refuge at her Uncle Lorenzo’s nightclub in London.

Mimma is played by the wonderfully gifted Celinde Schoenmaker (well known to London audiences as the star of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera).

Her uncle Lorenzo is played by John Owen-Jones. Celinde has some wonderful songs, one rather wishes she had even more.

At her uncle’s nightclub, Mimma forges a friendship with the odd wise-cracking Jacob Katz (Steve Serlin) who appears to deal in stolen art, and with Sarah, an aspiring jazz singer.

Sarah is perfectly portrayed by Louise Dearman whose been in about every UK musical you could name from Guys & Dolls to Grease.

Her music is a wonderful evocation of 1940s jazz, for those who like it.

While Mimma shelters in London, back home her family are increasingly embroiled in the resistance against the fascist dictator Mussolini.

They suffer terrible treatment. This is the cue for Schoenmaker to write wonderfully operatic pieces that are performed with gusto by Elena Xanthoudakis as Mimma’s mother and Ashley Riches as her brother, Aldo.

Both of them are operatic stars with incredibly powerful voices that brought the house down. Very memorable were the numbers Aldo’s Lament, Stabat Mater and Aria Piemontese.

By comparison, Mimma is safe in London, but she is not without problems. Mimma and Sarah are caught up in the turmoil as Soho is torn apart by the arrests and internment of Italians.

Watson says he particularly wanted to showcase “one of the great and largely forgotten ironies of history.” Britain’s panicked and indiscriminate internment of all ‘aliens.’

Italians and Germans but also, alongside them, anti-fascists and even Jews. Many of these died while being deported to Canada when the Germans sunk their ship.

An awful outcome. Though it has to be said, the Brits deported ‘aliens’ to Canada. The Germans sent them to concentration camps.

At the premiere, Schoenmaker’s music was well brought together by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by the highly competent Richard Balcombe.

So when will Londoners be able to see more?

Apparently, Mimma the Musical will be featured as one of the main events in the forthcoming 2022 UK Australia Season program.

A joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government to “strengthen and build cultural connections.”

Watch for more information on https://ukaustraliaseason.com

 

Main Picture: The Cast of Mimma - Photo Credit: Danny Kaan