Funny Girl

Image Source: West End Theatre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Musical
Genre: Comedy Drama
Date: March 8 2017
Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Funny Girl first debuted on Broadway way back in 1964, making its West End bow in 1966. However, it has only recently been revived, so the vast majority of those seeing the show on its current run will be doing so for the first time. But regardless of whether you're a newbie to Funny Girl or if you actually saw the show back in the sixties, you're in for a real treat.

Set in New York City shortly after World War I, Funny Girl tells the story of Fanny Brice (played here by Sheridan Smith). Having been considered an outcast due to her not-exactly-supermodel figure and her occasionally overbearing yet amusing nature, Brice is initially ignored but uses her quirks and sheer talent to earn a job within vaudeville. Despite advice suggesting that she couldn't cope with the potential downsides of fame and theatre, Fanny is insistent on following this unexpected career path, which sees both her name value and financial fortune grow. At the same time, she bumps into businessman and gambler Nick Arnstein (played by Chris Peluso) on several occasions, which eventually leads to a romance between the two and, later, marriage and motherhood. Taken off her feet by Nick, Fanny risks her career and everything she has worked for to be with Nick and to help him. However, it is Nick whose life is more affected by their marriage, as a combination of Fanny's controlling nature and some unfortunate incidents relating to his business lead to a series of events which put a strain on their relationship and, ultimately, their futures.

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