Review of An Awfully Big Adventure (1995) by Andrew B — 29 Mar 2009

This is one of the better films about theatre and what it does to some people. It resembles "The Dresser" in atmosphere to a certain extent, and in the portrayal of many of its characters. Secret desires and yearnings linger under the surface, bitchiness and petty jealousy escort humour and the spirit of "the show going on".

It is however quite a dark film, and bravely allows us to get to know characters who are unsympathetic but not altogether unlikable. Alan Rickman underplays beautifully as always, and a restrained Hugh Grant demonstrates his considerable skill as a character actor. Georgina Cates gives a stunning performance of the innocent (but not THAT innocent) girl drawn into the world of the late 1940s theatre in Liverpool. Lots to like here, but it is not at all a feel good movie.