Over the past decade, Morag Fullarton has cultivated a niche in compact Hollywood adaptations, adding a camp flair and a versatile cast to beloved classics like Casablanca and It's a Wonderful Life. Her previous attempt at Sunset Boulevard, marketed as a "lunchtime cut," debuted in 2015 at Glasgow's A Play, a Pie and a Pint, the company she later co-directed for four years.
Now associate director at Perth Theatre, Fullarton reunites the same talented four-person ensemble that impressed audiences initially, expands the material by 20 minutes, and stages it as a full main-house production. Yet, despite its adept mimicry and evident fondness for Billy Wilder's 1950 film, the show lacks a clear purpose.
A Framing Device That Falls Short
The play begins with a pre-shoot discussion, pondering casting choices like Mae West, Gene Kelly, or Gloria Swanson—who had made only one film in 15 years. Aside from a brief commentary on the film industry's ruthlessness, this is the only "backstage" element in what quickly becomes a trimmed but largely faithful rendition of the movie.
Fraser Lappin's set, with marble arches, leopard-skin throws, and opulent floor tiles, perfectly evokes the extravagant tastes of Norma Desmond, the faded silent film star. Juliet Cadzow portrays Norma as brittle and grandiose, a woman whose identity and career were washed away by a bygone era.
Strong Performances Amidst a Flawed Concept
John Kielty captures the brashness and vulnerability of struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, who becomes ensnared in Norma's web and ends up face-down in her pool. Frances Thorburn, doubling as narrator to streamline scene transitions, delivers a bright-eyed Betty Schaefer, the script reader who captures Joe's attention, displaying a keen ear for snappy Hollywood dialogue. Mark McDonnell is masterfully dry as butler Max and in other roles.
However, seen in this context, the play offers little originality. It is not a pastiche, parody, reimagining, or commentary. Instead, it is a faithful—and ultimately pointless—rendition of a film that inherently does the same job better.
Sunset Boulevard: The Backstage Cut runs at Perth Theatre until 16 May.
