Will Younger in Tune From Far Away at Hampstead Theatre 2023. Photograph: Mark Senior

Sure, I voted for Will Younger on Pop Idol, however I’ve by no means seen him on stage as he is primarily achieved musicals, so I used to be excited to see him in Tune From Far Away.

The truth that I beloved the play the primary time I noticed it on the Younger Vic again in 2015 added to the joy.



It’s advised within the type of letters Willem (Will Younger) has written to his lifeless brother Pauli, recalling the journey residence to Amsterdam for his funeral after 12 years away residing in New York.

Willem is a pointy observer of the individuals he encounters and his household. His feedback are arch. And but he retreats from any significant connection, avoiding household engagements.

Somewhat he opts for informal intercourse within the lodge he’s staying at and yearns for a relationship he had when he was youthful that he ran away from.

His feelings, partly, mirror the phases of grief; he’s in denial, he will get offended, he bargains, and he’s depressed, however it is usually pushed by introspection sparked by the loss.

The sudden absence of his brother and the return residence forces him to mirror on his life and his actions.

It is a easy set, a settee and an armchair which might double as a wise New York residence and Amsterdam lodge. Panels of sheer curtains or marble behind the stage transfer and swap to indicate altering places.

Generally when somebody is so acquainted, it may get in the way in which of the character, however Will Younger is misplaced in Willem.

The giveaway is when he sings snatches of a tune, there is no such thing as a hiding his distinct singing voice. Listening to it reside within the comparatively small area of Hampstead Theatre took my breath away.

His efficiency is well-paced, and a sassy tone attracts out the humour of Willem’s feedback, but it surely would not hit fairly the identical degree pathos of the unique manufacturing.

I am giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a evaluation ticket.

Tune From Far Away, Hampstead Theatre



Written by Simon Stephens and Mark Eitzel

Directed by Kirk Jameson

Starring Will Younger

Operating time 1 hour and 20 minutes with out an interval

Reserving till 22 July, go to the Hampstead Theatre web site for extra info and to purchase tickets

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