REVIEW: Dal Segno by Joseph Morley at Theatre at the Tabard 21 June - 8 July

‘Believable and human peek into the band room, revealing petty jealousies, sneaking admiration … and stormy love lives’ ★★★★

Behind the scenes in the band room, conversation is not solely dedicated to higher thoughts of musical accomplishments and expression but rather the more familiar trials of personal love lives.  Each member of this group, of highly experienced jazz players, has something to get off his chest. The talk of relationships both musical and personal gradually comes together to form the main plot.

The title of the show, Dal Segno, is a musical term meaning ‘repeated from the point marked by a sign’ which gives a clue to the story running through the show. If the play’s scenario quickly becomes apparent there is still the feeling of ‘whodunnit’ and we do have to await the denouement to find out.

The first act sets up what it is like behind the scenes with a sense of petty jealousies, sneaking admirations for each other’s skills, and what is lost or gained by being on the road and playing late-night sessions …. It can both make and break a love life.  It feels believable, and human, if a little mundane at this point in the production. The payoff comes in the second act which is rather more dynamic, pulling the strands of the show together and making an overall thoroughly enjoyable full evening of entertainment.

It’s a large cast for such a small theatre, each playing well as part of an ensemble with an interesting variety of distinct personalities. Kevin Wathen playing Mike the Geordie almost steals the show, with a character who embraces everything the music scene has to offer, especially love affairs. It’s the sort of role which could so easily be viewed as obnoxious, but director Julia Faulkner has somehow contrived to keep the whole thing light. The show feels really low key, whereas the show could be played for laughs, the dramatic arc is satisfying in itself.   Perhaps this is aided by the addition of Clair Gleave’s multi-rolling. She is the only non-musician and represents the love interest. The show is book-ended with erotic love scenes and that sexy dance mid show is also a very welcome addition to enliven the play. 

It's a show in the popular mould that could so easily tour to larger venues around the country, so catch it now while it’s here at the cosy Tabard Theatre.

Photography: Charles Flint

Dal Segno by Joseph Morley

Theatre at the Tabard, Chiswick 21 June - 8 July 2023

Presented by Perelia Productions

Cast:  

Adam Sopp as Adrian

Clair Gleave as Cheryl/Lisa/Laura/Karen/Sylvia

Frank Simms as Derek

Kevin Wathen as Mike

Max Kinder as Alex

Terence Frisch as Ron

Theo Watt as Chris

Vincent Shiels as Brian