Best Supporting Actress in a Play
Though Nicola Walker was excellent as the mother in this adaptation, it was Niamh Cusack who really shone for me. Her kindly teacher also doubled as a narrator of sorts and so it was her gorgeously warm tone that steered the audience into the wonderful world of this production, alive to the sensitivities of the situation but never once veering towards the condescending (unlike certain reviewers I could name).
One of those performances that caught me right in the heart from its opening moments and never let go throughout. Neil Simon's play can be described as a tragicomedy and whilst most of the audience were hooting with the comedy, I found myself weeping near-continuously as Howard depicted the simplicity and emotional openness of the always under-estimated Bella with huge skill.
7-10
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Foster had a great year, impressing mightily in Finding Neverland at the Curve but it was as Beth in the Menier's Merrily We Roll Along that she solidified her credentials as a genuine favourite by giving a rendition of Not A Day Goes By that actually made me forget Bernadette Peters'. Truly special.
Langford figured strongly in my childhood as companion Mel in the first Doctor Whos I really remember watching and in Bugsy Malone too, so I can't believe it has taken this long for me to finally see on her stage. And what a debut it was, as as secretary Roz in 9 to 5 The Musical she effortlessly steals the show with a sensational number that displays all of her considerable skillset.
7-10
Labels: Bonnie Langford, Clare Foster, Debbie Kurup, Fenella Woolgar, fosterIANs, Helena Blackman, Josefina Gabrielle, Katie Brayben, Laura Howard, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Niamh Cusack, Nicola Walker, Ruth Sheen