The Time Traveller's Wife
Apollo Theatre
Step into the Time Warp with The Time Traveller's Wife, a production that brings Audrey Niffenegger's cherished novel to life on stage. The story revolves around the unconventional love story of Clare and Henry, complicated by his uncontrollable time-traveling abilities. While the show boasts remarkable technical feats, it occasionally stumbles when it comes to character development and narrative cohesion.
One of the standout features of the show is the exceptional use of projections and special effects to depict Henry's time-traveling journeys. The combination of Chris Fisher's illusions and Andrzej Goulding's video design and animation, along with Richard Brooker's sound design, creates a mesmerising experience that truly captures the essence of the novel. Lucy Carter and Rory Beaton's lighting design further enhances the visual impact, making the time-travel sequences truly outstanding.
Anna Fleischle's stage design, characterised by large partitions, may be relatively simplistic, but it proves effective in transforming the stage to the various places and time periods covered in the story. The quick transitions between different settings are seamless and help maintain the audience's engagement.
However, the primary drawback of the musical lies in its plot. The inherent nature of sudden time travel results in a narrative that often feels clunky and choppy, making it challenging to develop a strong connection with the characters. The central relationship between Henry and Clare, which should be the emotional core of the story, lacks depth due to their limited time together as a couple. Instead, most of their interactions consist of Henry visiting Clare throughout her childhood, which raises complex questions, and their adult lives seem marked by unhappiness. This lack of a strong emotional connection between the leads diminishes the impact of their quest to have their love transcend time.
On the flip side, Charisse and Gomez, portrayed by Tim Mahendran and Hiba Elchikhe, serve as the comic relief characters and offer a more compelling relationship with a clearer backstory. Their presence is easier to root for, and the chemistry between Mahendran and Elchikhe is a highlight of the show. The dinner party scene, in particular, stands out as one of the most enjoyable and energetic moments, filled with humour and lively performances.
Individually, the cast members deserve praise. David Hunter, who plays Henry, delivers a convincing portrayal of a man grappling with his unique abilities and provides killer vocals to go with it. Joanna Woodward's Clare exudes warmth and vulnerability, making her character endearing. Tim Mahendran and Hiba Elchikhe, as Charisse and Gomez, steal the show with their fun and charismatic on-stage presence, and their strong vocal performances only add to their appeal.
The costumes by Illona Karas and wigs by Susanna Peretz are a visual delight, successfully covering various time periods with outlandish and wonderful designs. The backstage dressers deserve applause for their efficient execution of numerous quick changes, which contribute to the show's smooth flow.
Joss Stone and Dave Stewart's music adds a unique dimension to the production, featuring a diverse mix of musical styles that range from country-inspired tunes to more conventional pop songs. The entire cast delivers these songs with outstanding performances, showcasing their musical talents. However, the musical score, while competently composed and executed, lacks truly memorable tunes. Most of the songs are lyrically predictable, serving the primary purpose of advancing the storyline. That said, there are moments in the second act that shine, such as "Journeyman," performed by Henry, and "A Woman's Intuition," a trio featuring Henry, Charisse, and Gomez. These standout moments provide a fresh and memorable musical experience within the production and leave a lasting impression. While the music may not be the show's strongest suit, it still contributes to the overall atmosphere and storytelling.
In spite of its narrative challenges and somewhat forgettable music, The Time Traveller's Wife succeeds in creating an engaging theatrical experience, thanks to its outstanding technical aspects, charismatic performances, and a handful of standout musical moments, making it a worthwhile and visually stunning night out at the theatre.
★★★
Reviewed on Thursday 3rd November 2023 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Johann Persson
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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