THEATRE REVIEWS

Play a sweet melody on a double bass and the life of Marlene Dietrich comes into being. This is what happened at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough when Sarah Parks took Pam Gems' Play and showed the Dietrich temperament and her vast range of musical talent to the audience. Sarah Parks filled the stage with the personality that had thrilled the public from 1921 until 1979. The songs crossed frontiers during the second world war with "Lili Marlene" to be followed by "Where have all the Flowers Gone" leaving questions in their wake.

This many faceted part allowed Sarah Parks to show how talented she is whether she is speaking or singing. Dietrich needed to be surrounded by people she could trust and her most loyal friend was Mutti, played by Rebecca Jenkins and her personal assistant Vivian Hoffman by Loveday Smith. All this was held together by director Chris Monks with Musical Director Richard Atkinson playing an active part.

Rebecca Jenkins showed off her considerable talents with the double bass, an instrument not often given the chance to shine.

If you enjoy the songs of Marlene Dietrich this is an opportunity to find out more about the personality behind them. © BA

“Marlene” is at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 26th May to the 18th of June, 2011 and 24 August to the 3rd September, 2011. Box Office Telephone: 01723 370541. Ticket prices: Adults £10 - £21. The lift should be working at least 15 minutes before the curtain rises.