Allegra | Richmond Theatre

Maureen Lipman is the beating heart of Allegra, delivering a performance that feels so perfectly matched to the role that it's difficult to imagine anyone else playing it. As the show's titular heroine, Lipman effortlessly balances sharp comedy with genuine emotional depth, carrying the production from its laugh out loud moments to its more poignant reflections on ageing, memory and family. Her comic timing is impeccable, but it's in the quieter scenes that she truly shines, allowing Allegra's vulnerabilities to surface without ever losing the character's wit and spirit.

The play follows Allegra as she navigates the challenges of later life, with music playing an unexpectedly important role in her world. Without giving too much away, songs from her imagination burst into life around her, transforming everyday moments into fully staged musical numbers. These sequences bring an inventive energy to the production and provide some of its biggest laughs.

The choreography is slick throughout, while one audience interactive number adds an extra layer of fun, even if some audience members seemed a little too hesitant to fully embrace it.

Much of the play's emotional weight comes from Allegra's relationship with her brother Ronen, played by John Middleton. Ronen spends much of the show battling frustration as he tries to help his sister, yet Middleton ensures that his concern and affection are never in doubt. The result is a believable sibling dynamic that captures both the tensions and the deep bonds that can exist within families.

Elizabeth Bower also impresses as Anna, Allegra's Czech carer. Bringing warmth, humour and patience to the role, Bower creates a character who feels fully well developed rather than simply existing to support the central plot. Her interactions with Lipman are some of the production's most touching.

Bailey Patrick's Officer Rogers initially appears stern and by the book, but gradually reveals a more charming side. Patrick clearly relishes the opportunity to step into the musical sequences unfolding inside Allegra's head, where his comic talents are given plenty of room to shine. These moments provide some of the show's most memorable laughs.

The production itself is beautifully staged. The transitions between reality and Allegra's imagined musical world are handled seamlessly, allowing the audience to move effortlessly between the two. The set works hard without ever drawing attention away from the performances, while the musical numbers inject colour, movement and imagination into the story.

At times, the balance between comedy and sentiment can feel slightly uneven, preventing Allegra from quite reaching its full potential. However, its warmth, humour and heartfelt performances more than compensate. Anchored by a magnificent Maureen Lipman, this is a charming and thoughtful production that leaves audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.

It's easy to see why Allegra is already set to transfer to the West End's Harold Pinter Theatre. With a star turn at its centre and a story full of heart, this is a show that deserves a wider audience.

Allegra plays at the Richmond Theatre until Saturday 13th June - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Marc Brenner