This week, camp television presenter Graham Norton took his first steps onto the Playhouse stage as outrageous drag act Albin in La Cage Aux Folles. Although Norton is no newcomer to the theatre world, being a passionate musical fan, host of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything, and friend of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, his autobiography So Me states that he can’t sing. Coupled with the questionable acting talents shown in a number of short films and 2006’s Another Gay Movie, the announcement that Norton would be replacing the critically acclaimed Douglas Hodge in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s smash hit transfer, London’s theatre fans gasped.
However, those present at his first couple of shows have testified that Norton did admirable. Despite obvious nerves, he certainly should have won an award for effort in his blink-and-you’ll miss-it appearance at the Royal Variety Performance in December, and it would appear that his intensive coaching is working wonders. Although he was visibly shaking and reportedly stumbled on a few high notes to begin with, his overall performance improved vastly as his nerves calmed down. His delivery was suitably hilarious and poignant, while his rendition of I Am What I Am proved to be a real highlight, described by one audience member as ‘an emotional tour de force’.
It seems the theatre community was wrong to judge Norton so quickly. As his confidence grows, the West End could have another star on its hands.
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