[Originally posted on Londonist]
The music of Cole Porter may not be something you would expect to be discussed on Londonist, but every since we sobbed our way through 'De-Lovely' in Whiteley's cinema we've been a big fan. So we were excited to see Chelsea's gorgeous Cadogan Hall promising 4 nights Cole Porter kind of biopic 'A Swell Party'.
Originally staged at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1991, John Kane's show attempts to re-create Porter's life story using a narrator as Cole himself with songs sung by 4 of his friends. Featuring 47 songs in just over 2 hours, there's a lot to cram in and as such some of our favourites such as 'Night and Day' and 'You're The Top' get shoved into medleys.
Simon Green is a commanding Cole with all the dapper swing and flirtnyness you would expect from the man himself. He even deals with forgetting his lines in character with a twinkle to the audience. Accompanied by leading musical directors David Firman and Jason Carr on two pianos, the production is a little old fashioned, but if you're just after songs rather than a dazzling stage show you're in luck.
Maria Friedman, fresh from a recent one woman show at Menier Chocolate Factory, puts in a big performance of 'Blow Gabriel Blow' from 'Anything Goes'; while other highlights include Daniel Evans' once scandalous 'Love For Sale' and ensemble number 'Coffee'.
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