Christopher Walker reviews The Story of My Life

I love a new theatre, especially a fringe one.

Ok London has the most vibrant fringe scene in the world, making New York seem like second best, but more is more as far as I’m concerned. And the two cities can feed off each other’s creativity.

The mild-mannered Richard Lambert has been an innovative London fringe producer for many years. He has turned his attentions to creating the Stage Door Theatre above the Prince of Wales pub in Drury Lane with great success.

The cabaret style venue is a hit, but just make sure to grab your drinks and table in good time as seating is unreserved.

The current show, The Story of My Life, demonstrates that symbiosis between London and New York. It is a two-hander bursting with Broadway energy.

It follows the friendship of Alvin and Thomas, two men from a small town. Thomas is a struggling writer who finds success when he mines his own experiences, not least his friendship with Alvin, and runs off to the Big City.

Alvin stays at home and runs his father’s bookshop. Until he dies mysteriously. Thomas comes back to try to understand what has happened, and what exactly their friendship really meant. 

A journey of remembrance, or perhaps a journey of discovery. 

The music is charming, and composer-lyricist Neil Bartram and librettist Brian Hill, have created a real homage to boyhood friendships. No wonder the piece was nominated for four Broadway Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical.

The two young performers are really excellent, both as singers and as actors, and I was convinced they were American until I discovered they are Brits born and bred, and living in London. Thriving London theatre means thriving London theatre schools.

Markus Sodergren is a product of the great Arts Ed school in Chiswick. He is spot on in capturing Thomas’s confusion and his creative struggles. 

While Tim Edwards is from the Guildford school of acting and infuses Alvin with innocence and small-town charm.

This is definitely a fringe venue to watch/

For tickets go to – https://www.citizenticket.com/events/stage-door-theatre/the-story-of-my-life/

Picture: Tim Edwards and Markus Sodergren in The Story of My Life (Picture: Peter Davies)