Figaro. A modern version of 'The Marriage of Figaro'
In 2007 I took on the comic role of Fanchette in a modern version of 'The Marriage of Figaro', produced by Act Provocateur and performed at their theatrical base 'The Lion and Unicorn' in North London.
“The Count and Countess Almaviva mix with the London elite and live their lives under the scrutiny of public gaze. Surrounded by an entourage of PA’s, lawyers, advisors and hangers-on, they work hard to maintain an air of absolute propriety. Watch as Figaro, his bride-to-be Suzanne and their colleagues fumble, trick, joke and deceive their way through a hilariously nightmarish day of sexual intrigue, class war and crossed wires to find a happy ending for everyone. If only the tabloids knew what was going on behind closed doors… An exciting modern version of the controversial classic Beaumarchais play ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ which was made famous as a Mozart opera, this new text draws on both Beaumarchais’ original and Da Ponte’s libretto, and brings the story right into the here and now.”
Fanchette was written as a rather morally ambiguous modern day 'chavette' with a quite limited vocabulary and an outrageously cheeky but lovable nature. She is the sort of character who will burst into a room and say exactly the worst thing at the worst possible time, and do so with the greatest aplomb and least subtlety you can imagine. I had great fun with this role, and was very well received in it by our audiences, who seemed to relish Fanchette's sense of fun and ability to wreak havoc wherever she went. However, I hope the audience also felt there was more to Fanny than her brainless bimbo exterior, as however innocently clueless her blunders appeared to be, she still somehow managed to manipulate events to her liking, and have her own way in the end.
'The Lion and Unicorn''s infamous visitors book is passed around the bar after each show for audience members to leave comments and feedback. Here are some of the comments that were left about 'Figaro':
“What a wonderful, professional and funny performance. As a company you worked beautifully together. Thank you for brightening my Monday evening.”
“Literally laugh a minute... Great entertainment... I am loving Fanny!”
“Much laughter, much provocation, muchly enjoyed.”
“Just brilliant.”
“Everyone here has a smile on their face - that says it all - top work.”
“Silly and sweet! Lovely spirited cast and a great comic pay-off!”
“Jolly good fun.”
“Just what I needed - fabulous.”
“Cast worked really hard and looked as though they enjoyed themselves. Liked Act II very much. A fun night out. Especially Anna.”
“Some great talent - well worth the visit. (Steve Dineen, Arena Personal Management)”
“Very enjoyable - lots of stagecraft excellently handled.”
“Brilliant show. Great acting, loved the script, excellent energy.”
“A real giggle.”
“Lots of laughs. Anna was great!”