Aspects of Love opened at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre in April 1989, I did not see it in the first year but did manage to attend in London before the end of its run. My memory of the show is not very clear, although I do love the music.  I have not managed to see the show since, but got the opportunity to see this present tour with David Essex, admittedly seeing this rock legend was an added attraction.

I had not realised how much the title “Aspects of Love” was quite as fitting for this show, as this readapted version shows that Love is not just the physical attraction between two people but much, much more. We meet struggling actress Rose Vibert, when her production is cut short, due to falling audience members. Facing two weeks with no work, no income and no adoring fans she thinks twice when her actor-manager Marcel Richard introduces young Alex Dillingham. Alex is a mere 17 and has fallen head over heals in Love with Rose, he is travelling to his uncles disused house at Pau near the Pyrenees before he returns to England to join the army. Alex’s uncle George is a charismatic artist living the bohemian lifestyle flitting between Giulietta Trapani, an Italian sculptress, who is also his long-term mistress and his many other liaisons. Uncle and nephew have very similar tastes and both fall for Rose. Rose’s quest for luxury and adoration leads her into the welcoming arms of George yet neither fully satisfy the many demands of the other.

After some time Rose meets Giulietta and discovers the forbidden love between two women. Her marriage to George is blessed with a daughter who grows up under the protection of Rose, George and Giulietta. In Jenny’s 13^th year she meets her cousin Alex and yet another age gap love affair develops.

The set is extremely cleverly designed utilising a revolving stage and several right angled flats, which dependant on which edge is shown to the audience provide several internal and external facades. The set and lighting keep the piece predominantly dark and brooding with several sparks of sudden brightness displayed through colourful costumes. One such scene is the circus in Paris, the bright exciting costumes and circus people contrast with the dark monotone set and the animosity developing between the main characters.

Although most of the action revolves round the five main characters Tim Rogers as Alex Dillingham, Shona Lindsay as the actress Rose Vibert, David Essex as the irresistible uncle George Dillingham, Poppy Tierney as Italian Sculptress and femme-fatal and Rachel Lynes as Jenny Dillingham, daughter of Rose and George, the supporting ensemble are superb and it is obvious they are a tight knit group of performers. Some of the humour is supplied by Philip Cox as Marcel Richard, the actor-manager and catalyst for all the aspects of love we are shown throughout the production. With more comedy from David Burrows and James Graeme as the fairground barkers then at the circus. I am sure Aoife Nally as Elizabeth, George’s housekeeper is not supposed to be seen as part of the comedy of the piece but her scene steeling performance belies this premise.

Tim Rogers joined the cast this year. I have seen Tim as The Man in “Whistle Down The Wind” and Jerry in “The Full Monty” both of which I enjoyed very much, but must admit so far his portrayal of Alex has been my favourite. His rugged good looks suit the more mature, worldly Alex but he is able to portray a somewhat vulnerable side to the teenager smitten by his first love. The way “Aspects Of Love” is written all the cast get to display their range of vocal talent.

Shona Lindsay, like Tim, is well known to me having seen her several times in shows such as “Singing In The Rain”, “Jekyll and Hyde”,  “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” and a concert tour. Shona’s talents are just amazing every time I see her I see a totally different aspect displayed. Her stunning good looks and beautiful singing voice should, in my opinion, propel her on to bigger and better things. I envy Shona in many ways not least of which is the string of leading men she has been ‘forced’ to work with. Dave Willetts, Paul Nicholas, Sam Kane and now David Essex and Tim Rogers. For more information on Shona visit www.shonalindsay.co.uk

For those of us who remember David Essex at the height of his pop career in the 1970’s and 1980’s the attraction to his Gypsy looks and seductive voice have never faded. It is with little surprise that it is rumoured that Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber himself is said to have asked David to do this tour. It is almost as if the part of George Dillingham was written for him. The twinkle in his eye can be seen at the furthest parts of the theatre and both his speaking and singing voice is enough to melt the hardest hearts. He leaves the tour later in the year to take his own show on the road and is coming up to Scotland for several dates see www.davidessex.com for further details of the tour and of his new CD ‘Happy Ever After’.

Yet again the stunning Poppy Tierney is not new to me having originally come to our attention as Cosette in Les Miserables in Edinburgh. The character of Giullietta is about as far away from Cosette as is possible. Although not on stage as much as the others she gets to perform two very memorable numbers firstly the very poignant “There is More To Love” and then “Hand Me The Wine And The Dice” at Georges wake. Poppy like Shona, David and Tim has an amazing stage presence. Poppy is currently working on her self-penned debut album, which Geoff and I will be looking out for with great interest.

Finally Rachel Lynes as young Jenny, the baby of the family and also new to us. Her sweet portrayal of female awakening in to the joy of first love and subsequent heartbreak is very touching. Her vulnerability and yet assuredness is a delight to watch. Her “Mermaid Song” is beautiful, but the scene in which she captures the whole audience in is “The First Man You Remember”. Jenny comes on stage dressed in that infamous gown! George waltzes her round the patio singing  “The First Man You Remember” but she finally ends up where she wants to be, in her cousins arms.

I sincerely hope it is not as long until I see Aspects again as I absolutely adored this production.

Other cast members are: Rachael Archer, Stuart Armfield, Alana Bell, David Burrows, Philip Cox, Karen Evans, James Graeme, Patrick Kelliher, Jodie Beth Meyer, Aoife Nally and Duncan Patrick. The Orchestra under MD Andy Smith are Tom Deering, Pete Moore, Kathryn James, Lucy Morgan, Nerys Richards, Alan Cramp, Dominic Sales and Ed Bussey.