How to evaluate this revival of a problematic Sondheim musical that still faces the fantastic score / terrible book dilemma that was present from Anyone Can Whistle‘s inception.
Some have dubbed Southwark Playhouse’s production as “bonkers” and “crazy” but that seems a lazy appraisal for what the 2022 cast have attempted. Bypassing the unsalvageable narrative and yet implicitly honouring the show’s themes, they have reframed this unwieldy and unsatisfying work as an entertaining parable that questions how idealism survives against the forces of capitalism and cynicism.
Even in the arena of miracles, resolving the book’s many issues was not something that this London revival could ever fully achieve. However, it’s hard to imagine any future production doing more to make this lesser-seen Sondheim an enjoyable evening out for audiences.
Ultimately, this Anyone Can Whistle is a wild fever-dream of stunning Sondheim songs, exuberant performances and a comic masterclass from Alex Young. It may not make sense but you won’t want to miss it either.