Richard Lumsden is a familiar TV face from various sitcoms and The Catherine Tate Show, a bit bashed in but strangely handsome. Somewhere between Jeremy Clarkson and Hugh Grant. In the right role he is very good but this self-penned, cliché-jammed slog of a pop parable stretches his considerable charms to the limit.
It follows Bowiephile Smallman’s attempts to emulate his idol. This mock rocker is the kind of swot who does his osmosis revision when his chums are bunking off to absorb the vibe at Glasto. The most dangerous thing he does is leave the dishwashing until the following morning.
He goes through life hoping to be discovered while dreaming of his adolescent love Natalie. The trouble is Lumsden’s lumpen songs are so oldfashioned they transcend parody.
This inoffensive, overlong show comes alive just before and after the break, when Lumsden croons magnificently into a lampshade then demonstrates his jazz piano chops. A bargain bucket Ziggy Stardust finale is far too little far too late. A Smallman EP might be fine but this double-length concept album soon outstays its welcome.
Until 4 May (0844 847 1608)
The Fall & Rise Of Lenny Smallman
Arts Theatre
Great Newport Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 7JB
