Aspects of Love at Hope Mill

Some months back when Hope Mill announced their season of musicals, it was surprising to see such a ‘commercial’ choice as Aspects of Love within the list…but what a choice – this intimate production fits perfectly into the space and is yet another triumph for the venue.

Based on David Garnett’s novella, Aspects of Love is set in 1940’s France and Italy and focuses on the romantic entanglements of actress Rose Vibert, her admiring fan Alex Dillingham, his cousin Jenny, his uncle George, and George's mistress, sculptor Giulietta Trapani. Opening with the iconic song Love Changes Everything, Felix Mosse (Alex) starts us gently on what ultimately becomes a twisting, complicated, 17-year road of passion and love. Love from different aspects: mother/daughter; young man/older woman; older man/younger woman; adult/underage cousin.

Jonathan O’Boyle’s excellent direction brings raw emotion and intensity to the characters; Gareth Bretherton’s orchestration for three musicians ensures the lyrics take the fore; and Jason Denvir’s picturesque stage of shutters conjures up European summers. The cast of 10 are faultless, believably capturing the complications of love and relationships, in particular the tangled affair of the youthful Alex and Rose (a mesmerising Kelly Price).

Perfect performances and elegant scene changes make this an outstanding production – an Aspects you will love.

Rating 5/5

Hope Mill Theatre, Pollard Street, Ancoats: July 5th – August 9th 2018 tix here 

Published: 13-Jul-2018 (4970)