I absolutely loved reading Charles Dickens as a young person, and musicals, especially old musicals, are my weakness!
This musical was no exception. The music and lyrics are perfect for the characters; my two favourites being Quilp, and Happiness Pie.
I had been longing to watch it due to David Hemmings playing my hands down favourite character from the book. He being my favourite actor, pulls it off with his charm, and his sweet singing skills.
"Duchess" played so brilliantly by Sarah Webb, matches so perfectly as Richard Swiveller's (David Hemmings) friend in the shady law firm run by the Brasses (David Warner and Jill Bennett).
Mrs Quilp (preformed by Yvonne Antrobus) is the meek and pretty wife of Mr. Quilp (Anthony Newley) who bullies her around in a fairly faithful (although cut down and also slightly altered) version from the novel. Alteration being when Mrs Quilp attempts to save her drowning husband and witnesses his death.
Lastly: Mr Quilp himself, played by the most brilliant Anthony Newley who also composed and wrote the lyrics for the songs of the musical, is the cunning villain of this movie. Anthony portrays a more comical version of Quilp rather than the dastardly and cruel version of the novel. It is done so brilliantly that one would barely notice the deviation!
10/10 for the acting, the songs, and the characters! Would watch many times over!
This musical was no exception. The music and lyrics are perfect for the characters; my two favourites being Quilp, and Happiness Pie.
I had been longing to watch it due to David Hemmings playing my hands down favourite character from the book. He being my favourite actor, pulls it off with his charm, and his sweet singing skills.
"Duchess" played so brilliantly by Sarah Webb, matches so perfectly as Richard Swiveller's (David Hemmings) friend in the shady law firm run by the Brasses (David Warner and Jill Bennett).
Mrs Quilp (preformed by Yvonne Antrobus) is the meek and pretty wife of Mr. Quilp (Anthony Newley) who bullies her around in a fairly faithful (although cut down and also slightly altered) version from the novel. Alteration being when Mrs Quilp attempts to save her drowning husband and witnesses his death.
Lastly: Mr Quilp himself, played by the most brilliant Anthony Newley who also composed and wrote the lyrics for the songs of the musical, is the cunning villain of this movie. Anthony portrays a more comical version of Quilp rather than the dastardly and cruel version of the novel. It is done so brilliantly that one would barely notice the deviation!
10/10 for the acting, the songs, and the characters! Would watch many times over!