REVIEW: Beautiful Little Fool at The Southwark Playhouse until 28 February 2026
“Never has a show’s form so much befitted its subject” ★★
The Fitzgerald’s were drinkers, hedonists and “for a long time mainly famous for being excellent partiers” claims Scottie, their adult daughter attempting to control the chaos of her parents' lives through this narrative. Set up as an archive, the stage supplies several documents to evidence the most famous and toxic relationship of the Roaring 20’s.
It’s a tough gig, with her mother Zelda being locked up for insanity and her father never to be seen without a drink in his hand. Still, the plot struggles to keep the celebrity of this pair under wraps. We are spun with typical, energetic, jazz age flair from first love to the Fitzgerald’s eventual separation. The lack of an interval, doesn’t allow you to catch your breath.
The lyrics were also a little on the cheesy side to capture Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s unconventional marriage. With such a wide, colourful and celebrated array of novels, short stories and letters to pick from, Hannah Corneau’s songs just couldn’t pack the expected punch needed for such a work. If anything, the dialogue often revealed more of the couple's intensity and rebellious passion than the music. Not to say that there aren't any heart wrenching musical moments, Zelda’s song ‘Alabama Girl’ hits the right chord to express a woman stripped of her identity.
Little to no picture is provided for what lies behind this toxic union. The audience are informed of some F. Scott’s theft of Zelda’s own writing but still, this does not amount to the utter emotional fall out between the pair. David Hunter playing The Great Gatsby’s writer mixes equal parts charm, swagger and sourness with notable conviction, but no one left their seats having learnt anything new. Stepping in for Corneau for a second night, Amy Parker stole the star light and prepared the perfect combination of femme fatale, hopeless romantic and troubled mother.
With Tony Award nominated Michael Greif as director, honoured for his work with Dear Evan Hansen and Rent, this UK premiere needs a bit of adjusting. The cast are giving it their all and the musicians at the side are hitting all the beats but, as with so much other work, the script might need a once over.
Beautiful Little Fool at The Southwark Playhouse Borough 15 Jan – 28 February 2026
