The Score at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

The Score tells the story of Johann Sebastian Bach in the later stages of his life and how 3 composers, tasked by Frederick The Great, set him an impossible challenge.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

A beautiful detail that I appreciated during the pre-show was stepping into this gorgeous ornate and classic theatre to be met with Bach’s music echoing through the hall, beautifully setting the tone for the evening. During intermission this is topped with an amazing live cellist playing in one of the boxes, which I had a wonderful view of from the edge of the royal circle. Unfortunately, the cellist isn’t credited in the programme available for this production.

The programme comes with a detailed history of Bach's and our other leading characters' lives and the history of the war that we see playing out in the background. The show also sells a script book.

With a cast stacked high with experienced and brilliant actors, this show highlights the range of these performers with its ability to drop a joke within an intense dramatic scene, snapping viewers back and forth to balance tension and humour.

Brian Cox and his wife Nicole Ansari-Cox shone in the opening and throughout as the chemistry between the two was clear and natural. Stephen Hagan as King Frederick gave a wonderfully foppish performance fitting most nobles of this era beautifully.

Christopher Staines, Toby Webster and Matthew Romain as the powerful trio of Quantz, Benda and Graun were delightfully entertaining.

The story is lighthearted and presented in a very modern written period drama way. One of the first points I noticed that led me to this description was the show's invisibility to race. The character of Emilia highlights this as most of her scenes with Old Bach are caring and kind. This along with the combination of modernised dialogue gives the pacing a Bridgerton-esque feel to the character's dynamic.

I would highly recommend this for people familiar with the life of Bach or Frederick the Great, I’m aware a few of the historical references went over my head but it does show that although there is a lot of playing into characterisations of these figures, it is also noticeably inspired by documented facts on their lives.

As a last detail in regards to Access, I spoke to the wonderful Tess, part of the theatre's Front of House team, and I learnt that there is currently no lift available but there is a street entrance directly into the stalls, avoiding the multitude of small steps leading into the foyer of the building.

Content Warnings:

The theatre did not have any displayed content warnings that I could see, however, I did make note of moments or effects that I felt should be mentioned, which are as follows:

Mention of Rape
Discussion of Religion and Profanation
War
Sounds of Sword Fighting
Distrust of Medical Personnel

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer