Amélie, The Musical - The Other Palace

Poor quality photo of Amélie set

Amélie, The Musical is almost guaranteed to warm the cockles of the hoariest of hearts. I left feeling more tender and compassionate towards my fellow humans than when I'd entered.

Based on the 2001 film, this musical was faithful to the film's look, atmosphere, vibe and storyline. Amélie is the story of an idiosyncratic young woman (I'm trying not to use the word 'quirky') who is inspired following the death of 'Lady Di' (said in a French accent) to carry out small acts of kindness that end up impacting their recipients in significant, positive ways. The musical reminds you of the vulnerability/fragility of humankind and to remember to be aware that other people might have things going on in their lives that you don't know about.

It was in English rather than French but contained liberal sprinklings of French, rendered authentic by the French-Canadian origins of Audrey Brisson, who played the titular eccentric.

The music was similar to Yann Tiersen's film score, and was played by the actors on stage. Each actor played an instrument - including Amélie, who played the piano at one point. The music was made extra impressive by the actors whirling around and singing while playing their assorted violins/accordion/cello (the piano was the only instrument not whirled around, although it did move). The songs weren't particularly memorable, in that I didn't have any of them going around in my head the next day, but they suited the story perfectly. I was engrossed from beginning to end.

My favourite part of the Paris metro-styled set was the circular window (clock?), which doubled up as Amélie's flat, to which she effortlessly ascended via a rope/hoist, which was in keeping with her character. Other highlights/viewpoints:

• The puppet of Amélie as a young child, which depicted scenes from Amélie's early life while the adult Amélie moved in synchronisation with it, was poignant and moving.

• The life-sized gnome gaudily recounting its adventures from its travels around the world was a thing of joy.

• I loved the protectiveness of Amélie's café friends/acquaintances/employer, and their keeness for her to find love.

• I think it's a pity Amélie's mum doesn't get a redemption storyline. Her demise and the manner in which it takes place help to account for Amélie's eccentricity...but the oddness of her parents and upbringing by themselves would be enough to account for that.

Next: 42nd Street