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Funny Girl

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in 20th Century Retro

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Glasgow King's 30th May - 3rd June

 

Natasha

 

http://www.thereviewshub.com/funny-girl-ki...heatre-glasgow/

 

As Arnstein, the object of Brice’s desire and devotion, and the cause of her emotional downfall, Darius Campbell, here in his home city, is a commanding presence and ably matches Barnes’ dazzling central performance. His deep, dark baritone and undoubted good looks eliciting oohs and ahhs throughout.

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/1532178...ve_star_parade/

 

Another surprise performance came from Glasgow’s very own Darius Campbell who first shot to fame on Popstars and Pop Idol.

 

A lot of touring productions often take on a big name for the show and it can be more of a miss than a hit.

Darius Campbell, above, however, was born for the stage. If his calling wasn’t a hugely successful pop career, then it is definitely musical theatre.

 

He reminded me of Rhett Butler in how he portrayed Nick Arsten. He was suave, attractive and showed off the classic man’s man persona required for such a part.

 

Darius and Natasha together were a dream to watch on stage. The audience fell in love with them falling head over heels. Even a blip of comic timing from the audience laughing at an innuendo did not sway them from the part – although the pair were close to hysterics.

 

http://www.backstagepass.biz/2017/06/theat...gs-theatre.html

 

Darius Campbell reprises his role as Nick Arnstein and elevates the part into something more memorable than is written. His strong voice, his physical presence and stillness combine to make the most out of an inadequately written part whilst adding sterling support as an arresting leading man to the primary role of Fanny Brice, shared on tour between Sheridan Smith and Natasha J Barnes (who famously rose from understudy to share the role with Smith in London)

 

https://www.tickx.co.uk/article/568/in-revi...heatre-glasgow/

 

Playing opposite Barnes and Smith is chart-topping, Glasgow-favourite Darius Campbell who's portrayal of Nick Arnstein exults glamour, arrogance and sex appeal in equal measure. Not content with being a kept man, Nick must try to prove himself and avoid his wife's overbearing tendencies. Darius proves that his vocal range goes beyond that of Colourblind as he effortlessly sings numbers such as I Want to be Seen with You Tonight and You are Woman, I am Man.

Edited by Baytree

Playing opposite Barnes and Smith is chart-topping, Glasgow-favourite Darius Campbell who's portrayal of Nick Arnstein exults glamour, arrogance and sex appeal in equal measure.

 

Quotation from the last review you posted. I didn't know Darius was playing a character that was a bit arrogant! Would you say his character is still likeable though despite this?

Edited by The Hissmobile

Have you ever seen Darius in Funny Girl?

 

Have you met him?

 

No need to be so snappy with me! :o

 

I have not seen Funny Girl. I tried to look it up but there were no videos long enough on youtube (understandably as that would spoil the surprise for those going to see it) to assess whether his Funny Girl character is likeable or not despite the apparent arrogance of his character it mentions in the review.

 

As to the second question, I have never met Darius. I didn't ask if Darius himself was not likeable (he does seem undoubtedly very likeable from what I have seen of him) I asked if you would consider his Funny Girl character likeable. I just think any perceived arrogance is a big put off in liking a character in drama imo, but maybe it was only perceived arrogance of his character by the reviewer.

Edited by The Hissmobile

Bradford - Alhambra Theatre 6th - 10th June

 

Natasha replaced Sheridan who had mumps.

 

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/what-s-on/t...dford-1-8584833

 

So too did Darius Campbell. Yes that Darius Campbell, the one whose version of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time during auditions for Popstars will be forever seared on our memory. In the intervening years, Campbell has grown into a genuine musical star and here he plays the charming, but deeply flawed Nick Arnstein who gambles with everything, including Fanny’s unconditional love, beautifully.

 

It might have been tough stepping out in front of a crowd who really wanted someone else, but to quote Darius of old, ‘there was a lot of love in the room’ for a bone fide Funny Girl.

 

 

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news...ced_to_pull_out

 

Darius Campbell was a gem as Arnstein; smooth-talking and sophisticated, he had great stage presence. And he got it just right with6 the roguish edginess that we knew wouldn't end well for Nick or Fanny.

 

 

http://www.thestateofthearts.co.uk/feature...eatre-bradford/

 

Let’s move on to Darius Campbell as Nick Arnstein. Not only is his rich, deep voice enough to make anyone swoon, he adds a lovely vulnerability to his role as the gambling bad boy turned kept man. Nick Arnstein’s need for freedom comes across as sweet and desperately important and I feel empathy for both characters in this situation. The ending has me in floods of tears as Fanny Brice and Nick Arnstein share a heart-to-heart before Brice delivers her Finale. The connection between the pair is lovely and their voices complement each other well.

Edited by Baytree

No need to be so snappy with me! :o

 

I have not seen Funny Girl. I tried to look it up but there were no videos long enough on youtube (understandably as that would spoil the surprise for those going to see it) to assess whether his Funny Girl character is likeable or not despite the apparent arrogance of his character it mentions in the review.

 

As to the second question, I have never met Darius. I didn't ask if Darius himself was not likeable (he does seem undoubtedly very likeable from what I have seen of him) I asked if you would consider his Funny Girl character likeable. I just think any perceived arrogance is a big put off in liking a character in drama imo, but maybe it was only perceived arrogance of his character by the reviewer.

 

I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder.

 

I would say that at first the director is emphasising how Fanny and Nick are complete opposites, with him the worldly wise, globetrotting, guarded gambler, who fits in anywhere and Fanny still young and awkward. When they meet again after their introductory meeting, Fanny tells Nick that she' has imagined him all over the world and he's like a character in a book.

 

For comedic effect, the height difference is also emphasised.

I found the character of Nick changed as the story unfolded as did Fanny's.

 

It was quite a story of mixed emotion.

Arrogance vs confidence

 

To me Nick was confident and not arrogant.

 

To someone else they could possible see the other.

 

He seemed a very caring man who truly loved Fanny in what would seem a miss match of partnerships.

 

Fanny became very confident over the time and for me, did not see Nick's needs.

 

However he was too proud to accept her help after the crash.

 

A tragic story really.

 

Shame people cannot be more open with each other.

Edited by SpamFritter

There were no clips of Darius, even short ones in Funny Girl I could see on youtube sadly when I looked it up. Even singing any of the songs. Understandable though as to not spoil the surprise of the musical.

 

I don't really like the songs song in Funny Girl by the character of Fanny (the vocal is too harsh and accented for my liking and the vocal style reminds too much of 'Let It Go' by Idina Menzel which I am not much of a fan of). I haven't heard any that are sung by the character of Nick yet.

Edited by The Hissmobile

I'm looking forward to seeing the show again when it's released. I felt so sorry for Nick in the show as ev erything he had been was lost. I hope it's on Sky1 first as I'd see it quicker that way. All I have to do is find someone who HAS Sky 1

 

Arrogance vs confidence

 

There is a thin line between the two.

 

Shame people can't be more open with each other

 

Being open with each other can be bad though, such as expressing negative opinions about people that may upset them.

Arrogance V Confidence.

 

It's where Darius came in - in Popstars, Darius seemed confident and it was edited as arrogance.

 

In fact, it was neither.

 

Darius had rarely sung to anyone other than his family and friends. As a uni student he'd braved a few open mike nights in local pubs.

 

He found himself among a host of kids with a lot of experience and/or training behind them. He felt out of his depth and put on a confident demeanour. It was bravado masking perceived inadequacy.

Nottingham - Theatre Royal 12th - 17th June

 

Natasha

 

http://www.nottinghamlive.co.uk/live/review-funny-girl/

 

As I said, Darius, also has to be commended for his performance, also. His stage presence had me like putty in his hands, never mind Fanny Brice. The epitome of debonair and suave. A voice as smooth as galaxy chocolate wrapped in silk. Even aesthetically he looked like the part was made for him. He brought, to the stage, everything that Fanny would have fallen in love with when she met Arnstein. Experience as everything from a successful pop star, to performing in Opera’s, really shone through, extending his charisma and charm to the audience in everything he did. Hats off to the chap.

 

http://amessinadress.co.uk/2017/06/14/thea...yal-nottingham/

 

Darius Campbell (yes, that Darius) played the debonair and charming Nick Arnstein, Fanny’s love interest and eventual husband. Darius seemed so perfect for the era of the show. He oozed charisma and had a great singing voice, especially in the song “Temporary Arrangement”. His “Nicky” seemed to have genuine affection for Fanny and even though I knew how it was all going to end, I was still rooting for them as a couple.

 

https://eastmidlandstheatre.com/2017/06/14/...-theatre-royal/

 

 

Both Barnes and Campbell totally excel in their parts and Barnes is a complete revelation on stage – completely convincing as Fanny Brice in her brilliant singing as well as her comic timing

 

The devilish good looks and sonorous tones of Campbell’s Arnstein continue into the second half but take on a more corrupt personality willing to exploit Fanny to the point of bankruptcy. If it were a Victorian melodrama we would be booing up to the rafters!

 

 

http://www.chad.co.uk/whats-on/review-funn...royal-1-8597423

 

Her love interest is Nicky Arnstein, tall, handsome, debonair, a businessman with a fondness for the cards, the dice and the horses. Here we have Darius Campbell strolling through the part, using his height, elegance and deep voice to reprise his role in the West End opposite Sheridan Smith. It is Arnstein, with his sophistication and contacts, who is the dominant figure in the early stages of the relationship: then, in the second act, as Fanny’s star rises his wanes, along with their deteriorating relationship.

 

http://www.itsmuchmore.com/review-funny-gi...oyal-nottingham

 

Darius was well suited to the role of smooth and confident Nicky, and gave us a real treat with his silky voice, belting out the musical numbers, his cocky move of throwing (fake) money into the audience was a big hit – I even got $100! – not a bribe I promise.

 

http://nottinghamconfidential.blogspot.co....atre-royal.html

Edited by SpamFritter

Nottingham

 

Natasha

 

http://nottinghamconfidential.blogspot.co....atre-royal.html

 

http://www.nottinghamlive.co.uk/live/review-funny-girl/

 

http://amessinadress.co.uk/2017/06/14/thea...yal-nottingham/

 

https://eastmidlandstheatre.com/2017/06/14/...-theatre-royal/

 

http://www.chad.co.uk/whats-on/review-funn...royal-1-8597423

 

http://www.itsmuchmore.com/review-funny-gi...oyal-nottingham

Edited by Baytree

Being open with each other can be bad though, such as expressing negative opinions about people that may upset them.

 

I was really meaning explaining to your partner your feelings, your dreams and asking them theirs. Then working together for a common goal which makes them both happy.

 

Not complaining, nagging etc

 

Too many people moan about their partners and drift apart....

 

Then, if only I had done, said......

 

But then it is too late :(

Arrogance V Confidence.

 

It's where Darius came in - in Popstars, Darius seemed confident and it was edited as arrogance.

 

In fact, it was neither.

 

I never thought the video of him going out of Popstars showed any arrogance. He showed he cared about the other people in the room and gave them a positive pep talk.

 

Nor (mostly) the video of him singing Hit Me Baby One More Time, he was just trying to give the reasons why he was singing Hit Me Baby One More Time and it was quite humorous how he said 'I'm going to sing your favourite Nigel'.

 

Maybe how he clapped his hands once at the end of the audition and walked away from the camera came across as a bit arrogant though!

 

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