Mack and Mabel at Chichester Festival Theatre Review
Mack &Mabel
Chichester Festival Theatre
13 July to 5 September 2015
Reviewed by Emma Booth
Me and a friend were lucky enough to get the chance to go to the Chichester Festival Theatre to see Mack & Mabel last night.
Mack & Mabel is based on the true story of the famous Hollywood team Mack Sennet and Mabel Normand and how she stumbles into the world of acting by complete chance and is drawn into the ups and downs of working with Mack who is obsessed with money and making his next movie, causing the early end of Mabel who becomes caught up in heroin and dies from tuberculosis at the early age of 38.
Mack & Mabel are played by Michael Ball and Rebecca LaChance who have great chemistry and energy and it doesn’t take long before the show tunes start, full of upbeat songs and dancing you just can’t take your eyes of the stage for a moment. There was also movie footage incorporated into some of the songs which gave it a meaningful touch.
The first half is full of fun and happiness and is very upbeat and because I wasn’t familiar with the story I was surprised by the second-half, how everything starts the spiral downhill for Mack & Mabel and becomes, in parts, quite sad and depressing and you can’t help but feel caught with the characters. My favourite scene is hard to choose as there are so many dazzling and faultless dance routines such as the hundreds of girls and tap your troubles away but I think for me the keystone cops scene stands out as it’s just so hilarious and totally unforgettable and so well done, The theatre stage is set out so I feel where ever you sit you get a good view of the stage as the stage comes out octagonal shape into the audience.
I felt like I got completely wrapped up in the glitz and glamour and the highs and lows and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. There was an incredible band playing on the balcony above the stage and they were just amazing. I would highly recommend anyone to see the show it’s one of the best that I have seen. It is showing right up until 5th September so there is plenty of time to plan an evening out and see a great show.
The Chichester Festival Theatre has had a £22 million refurbishment and is well worth a visit. With the car park a very short walk away it’s very accessible and easy to get to and after 6pm is free parking which is a bonus.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £50 (booking fees may apply).
Mack & Mabel is at the Chichester Festival Theatre until 5 September 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01243 781312.
Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP
