Laura Benanti is on fire at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho, bringing her electrifying solo show 'Nobody Cares' to packed London houses. This Tony Award-winning star of Broadway has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and in this side-splitting yet heartwarming production, she lays bare the hilarious highs and soul-crushing lows of life as a performer.
Benanti's early days in the entertainment industry were marked by propositioning producers and a dodgy neck injury during a revival of 'Into the Woods' - tales that would make even the most hardened showbiz veteran blush. Yet, it's her self-deprecating wit and razor-sharp observations on her own mistakes that truly shine. With musical director Todd Almond and his two-piece backing band providing the perfect accompaniment, Benanti regales us with stories of being a 'pathological people pleaser' - a trait that led to some comically disastrous personal relationships.
As we follow Benanti's journey from cringe-worthy ingenue to wiser, more battle-hardened performer, it becomes clear that this show is about so much more than just laughs. It's about the hard-won lessons of life, love and learning - often gleaned at our own expense. A highlight comes when Benanti takes us on a tour of her younger self's botched marriage proposal attempts, which she later tries to make amends for in a hilarious musical number.
But 'Nobody Cares' isn't just about Benanti's own brand of therapy through comedy; it also delves into the more serious stuff. We get glimpses of her life as a mother, including the trials and tribulations of breastfeeding - anecdotes that offer valuable insights into her growth and development as a person.
As the show hurtles towards its climax, Benanti delivers some home truths about the untruths we tell our kids (though she does veer off into more sentimental territory at times). But ultimately, it's this kind of straight-talking that makes 'Nobody Cares' such a must-see. For those navigating similar paths to Benanti - and even for those who aren't - this show is an unmissable blast of charm and entertainment.