A Mirrored Monet the musical at Charing Cross Theatre

A group of 16 from the theatre group went to the little theatre under the arches at Charing Cross on 6th May. It was a first visit here for many of the group.

A new musical about the life of artist Claude Monet was being performed. It features two Monet’s. An older Monet in his 70s during World War 1 looking back at his life with a younger Monet and his friends Bazille, Renoir and mentor Manet. It centres on his love life and relationship with his first wife, Camille Doncieux, his muse and lover and mother of his two sons. The stage has changing backdrops of paintings of the salons and also Monet’s impressionist offerings and reflects the struggle that the artists had with the establishment to have their work recognised as worthwhile. It portrays their poverty and hardships which have a major impact on Camille.

The elder Monet played by Jeff Shankley narrates the play and shows his anger with his younger self in his treatment of Camille. His is the standout performance. Dean John-Wilson performs as the young Monet and Brooke Bazarian as Camille

Monet’s life at this early period is well portrayed but the songs tend to blur together with similar tone and tempo sung to the audience rather than the character.

However, the group generally were pleased to have come and enjoyed the afternoon.

Contributed by Mary Garside