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The Review - THEATRE by SARAH NOWAKOWSKA
Published: 27 August 2009

Matthew Wright as David Brent

Proud office is a hit

THE OFFICE: THE OPERA
Proud

WHO would have thought the boss from hell could sing? The Office: The Opera took to the stage in a firework display of music genres – complete with a singing David Brent who lost none of his obnoxious ways in the process.
In the background, a small orchestra reminded the audience this was really an opera. Prankster Tim Canterbury, played by Tom “Red” Calvert, started things off with a round of impressive beatboxing that could almost put a real cello or saxophone to shame. This set the tone for the show: a fusion of operatic and modern styles in a boring office which the vibrant characters bring to life.
David Brent (Matthew Wright) wasted no time bursting into song, his inflated ego intact as he maniacally stroked his tie while singing the self-absorbed words for which Ricky Gervais’s fictional character is renowned.
Elsewhere, no-nonsense Jennifer (Clare Presland), whose soprano voice hit notes you did not know existed, became the voice of reason no one would listen to.
Composed and directed by Anne Chmelewsky, who turned The Office series into an opera as a joke for one of her music degree modules, the one-off show was staged at the Proud Galleries in aid of a charity.
The talented cast, fresh out of school, delivered some of the TV series’ most famous lines, firing jokes in rhythm with the daring musical moves – from the expected classical tunes to the more upbeat RnB style brought by Andre Graver who plays the shy newbie trying to fit in at the office.
The plot, rich and fast-paced, was careful to preserve the essence of the original show. It managed to draw in the audience all the way to the end before gracing them with Brent’s special dance during the encore.
All the ingredients for a solid show are here, condensing the funniest moments of the popular series into a taste of how well it could work on a bigger stage.
Run complete

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