Alfie Boe stars alongside Sarah Tynan and Faith Prince and west-end favourite Michael Ball in the much loved musical, Kismet by Robert Wright and George Forrest, based on themes by Alexander Borodin. This is the first ever ENO production of Kismet, despite it’s first ever UK performance being back in 1955.
The stage of the Coliseum looked like it had been transformed into something from an Arabian Nights tale. A star studded curtain depicting the night sky provided the initial stage setting, which when the curtain went up, revealed bold colourful sets and music full of eastern promise.
Kismet tells the story of a struggling poet, who through his clever wit, several cases of mistaken identity and being in the right place at the right time, ends up as a part advisor, part magician to the Wazir. During which time, The Caliph played by Alfie Boe falls in love with the poet’s daughter Marsinah but, like in any good story, the course of true love doesn’t run smooth as the Wazir intervenes with various plots. Eventually his tricks are discovered by the poet who kills him and sees his daughter united with The Caliph before banishing himself to comfort Lalume, the Wazir’s widow.
The production was both comical and poignant with lively, energetic singing and dancing, cases of mistaken identities combined with tender and romantic scenes and ending with love triumphant.
Alfie’s performance as the Caliph was exceptional. His rendition of 'Stranger in Paradise' was wonderful and was made more enchanting by the scenery which had the two characters framed in an oval floral setting and really added to the tender and romantic feel of the song. His voice, although powerful, also showed gentleness and a sort of innocence associated with love’s young dream.
Alfie's other main number in the show, 'Night of My Nights' was performed with supporting cast members and was a more lively and energetic number. This number also included some dancing and the Caliph was raised in the air by male dancers to represent his character floating in the air through his feelings of love for Marsinah. Alfie clearly seemed to enjoy his role and his enjoyment was reflected in his performance both vocally and expressively.
The whole production is full of wonderful music which you will find yourself humming along to, stunning yet relatively simple scenery and a star-studded cast of singers, whose combined sound was outstanding. Whether it is through the witty lyrics, the loveable characters or the easy to follow storyline, this production will keep you enchanted from start to finish.
Kismet is running at the Coliseum, London until July 14th. 'Stranger in Paradise' performed by Alfie Boe is now available as a single on digital download.
