Cyrano, theatre review, Park Theatre: ‘lashings of postmodernist reflexivity and intertextuality, along with the odd song and dance routine’

Jessica Whitehurst (Roxanne) and Virginia Gay (Cyrano). Photograph: Craig Sugden

A charming face, the perfect figure and sparklingly conversation…we must all have at one time longed for the complete package of attributes that convention deems loveable.

Yet reality leaves many of us a bit short, so what do we do? We fabulate, in one way or another. Makeup, figure-shaping clothes and borrowed witticisms are the everyday artifices that make us seem just a little more than what we really are.

Take it a bit further, and you are into the realm of deception, or theatre. These are the twin terrains explored by Cyrano, a new production at the Park Theatre.

The play deconstructs the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac into a queer romcom. Writer and actor Virginia Gay plays the eponymous lead who uses her verbal dexterity and heartfelt longing to woo sexy Roxanne. Only Cyrano’s words are offered up as those of the manly but barely-verbal soldier Yan, after whom Roxanne lusts.

The story unfolds in various directions, with lashings of postmodernist reflexivity and intertextuality, along with the odd song and dance routine.

Joseph Evans (Yan), Tanvi Virmani (3), Virginia Gay (Cyrano), Tessa Wong (1) and David Tarkenter (2). Photograph: Craig Sugden

Jessica Whitehurst plays Roxanne with finely-tuned grace that does a nice job of complementing Gay’s brooding intensity, against the backdrop of a chorus made up of Tessa Wong, David Tarkenter and Tanvi Virmani together with Joseph Evans as Yan. Directed by Clare Watson, the production makes good use of space with a spare set.

The play met with acclaim when it had its European premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, and it looks set for a successful run in Finsbury Park.

Cyrano
Until 11 January 2025
Park Theatre
Clifton Terrace
Finsbury Park, N4 3JP