Sunset Boulevard

Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton

Nuneaton-based amateur society The Masqueraders have taken on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Sunset Boulevard’ as their next show, which plays at the Abbey Theatre this week. Written back in 1993 and based on the 1950 film of the same name, ‘Sunset Boulevard’ saw a radical new lease of life a couple of years ago when visionary director Jamie Lloyd got his hands on it, modernising it and stripping away the previous depictions of its eccentric leading lady Norma Desmond. The Masqueraders have returned to the original vision, giving local audiences a chance to see the show as it was first intended.

Back in the heyday of Hollywood’s ‘golden age’, we meet struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis (played by Alex Lewis), burned by too many failures and fighting off loansharks on his tail for unpaid debts. He chances upon the residence of Norma Desmond (Karen Deaves), a former star of the silent era who faded into obscurity when the “talkies” came into fashion, though she still believes she’s “the greatest star of all”. When Joe mentions he’s a writer, Norma asks him to work on a screenplay she’s been working on, that will put her back where she belongs. The job takes longer than Joe thought, and Norma slowly grows more possessive over Joe, particularly over his blossoming relationship with young screenwriter Betty Schaefer (Georgie Norwood), while Norma’s butler Max (Richard Yates) does his best to care for deluded star and maintain the charade that her audience are still waiting for her return.

Seeing the original vision for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ in light of the recent reimagining is an interesting experience that musical theatre fans should definitely experience, and while this may highlight a few creaks and even feel a little dated now, there’s no denying the power that still resonates throughout Webber’s masterful music. Arguably the last fully cohesive knockout score that he composed at the peak of his powers, it’s a rich sumptuous listen that reaches heights few scores even dream of, full of light and shade, and a joy to listen to. “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye” remain the highlights, but there are many others, although the musical is near sung-through, which may be offputting to some. However, the lyrics and libretto (Don Black and Christopher Hampton) are witty and layered, and really bring out the gritty underbelly of dark Hollywood.

The Masqueraders deliver a really competent effort here, with directors Colin Udall and Abbe Shields creating that Hollywood feel with effective sets, video projection and that all-important staircase for Norma to take multiple trips on, and capturing that mix of Norma’s opulent lifestyle mixed with the darker cynicism of the movie industry. The off-stage live orchestra of impressive size really bring Webber’s music to life under the musical direction of Dave Adams.

Principal performances are good, tackling no shortage of dialogue and big notes between them. Alex Lewis is the standout as Joe, a mammoth role for a professional let alone an amateur, and also adds an impressive American accent to his edgy performance. Karen Deaves’ Norma taps back into the Elaine Paige model and does well, perhaps lacking a bit of attack in Norma’s later scenes but certainly giving her two big solos a solid effort. Richard Yates and Georgie Norwood also offer strong support as Max and Betty respectively, each having their own standout moments and adding some lovely levels of empathy to their portrayals. As is inevitable, there are some wobbly accents scattered throughout the cast as a whole, some weaker singing voices too, but the overall commitment shown by everyone certainly can’t be faulted, especially with a show as challenging to deliver as this one.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ still tells a fascinating Hollywood tale some 75 years after its first creation, and its musical adaptation is up there as one of its composer’s finest works. Grab this rare chance to see it locally in its original vision, and celebrate a job well done from a passionate cast and creative team.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ runs at the Abbey Theatre in Nuneaton until Saturday 22nd November 2025.

Performance runtime 2 hours 30 minutes including interval.

Details at – https://www.abbeytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/