First Night review

This slick British musical fails to be as charming as it thinks it is

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Richard E. Grant's on enjoyably hammy form here as a slick City type who decides to up his cultural rep by staging a lavish open-air opera at his sprawling country pad.

Unfortunately for him, the group of fresh-faced young hopefuls he assembles all seem more interested in pairing off as swiftly as romcom convention will allow, and proceedings swiftly descend into sub-Richard Curtis territory with little of the wit.

It’s to director Chris Menaul’s credit that his lack of big-screen experience isn’t evident, but the same can’t be said for his cast who are, by and large, too stiff to charm.

Writer

Emma Didbin is a writer and journalist who has contributed to GamesRadar+, The New York Times, Elle, Esquire, The Hollywood Reporter, Vulture, and more. Emma can currently be found in Los Angeles where she is pursuing a career in TV writing. Emma has also penned two novels, and somehow finds the time to write scripts for Parcast – the Spotify-owned network that creates thrilling true crime and mystery podcasts.