After reopening with the smash-hit production of Private Peaceful (which is now off to the West End!), the Barn Theatre are back and this time with a new revival production of the seldom seen Stephen Sondheim musical revue Marry Me A Little.

Previous productions of the show, which is formed entirely of songs from Sondheim’s extensive library that were cut from the original productions of his iconic musicals including Follies and A Little Night Music, have struggled in creating a narrative to connects the vast array of songs.

However Kirk Jameson’s production has tackled this beautifully by reimagining the piece as a story of two ex-lovers who spend a Saturday evening alone in their respective apartments reflecting on the breakdown of their relationship.

This two-hand musical is reliant on incredible performances and the Barn Theatre have brought the best to the Cotswolds.

Rob Houchen and Celinde Schoenmaker, who are no strangers to one another having previously performed together on the London stage in both Les Misérables and the UK premiere of The Light in the Piazza, soar in this production which truly highlights why they are recognised as two of the most sought-after and celebrated musical theatre performers around the world.

This production is the perfect vehicle to showcase the versatility of the two leads from quintessential Sondheim numbers such as “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, that beautifully showcases both of their extensive and rich classical voices, to the more well-known “Bring On The Girls” and “Marry Me A Little” which lets the pair sink their teeth into the genius’ lyrical content and provide two of the stand out moments of the production.

The production utilises the Barn Theatre’s impressive technical capacity by using screens to “cast” the characters’ social media messages and phones, designed by Benjamin Collins, as the device to maintain the reimagined overarching plot of the piece, which works particularly well when used to signify the passing of time.

A special mention must also be made to musical director Arlene McNaught, who before lockdown was leading the queens on the UK tour of the musical Six, who plays the timeless score effortlessly from the wings.

A testament must be made to how well she plays in that I never felt like the cast were in need of anything more and helped extenuate the intimate atmosphere.

Finally, Gregor Donnelly’s set and costume design are the missing pieces that add that extra bit of theatrical magic.

Donnelly previously was behind the costume and set design of the Barn’s 2019 musical Daddy Long Legs so it’s no surprise as the transformation of the space is exquisite.

The design utilises the “window” screen as the metaphorical window into the characters’ lives as the only set piece that is concurrent in both.

With the small amount of dialogue featured in the production the narrative leans onto the set and props to reveal insights into our two romantic leads from the décor of their apartments to the patterns and stylings of their outfits, everything has been thought of to help support the narrative of this reimagined production.

When the theatrical world is slowly starting to find its feet it is incredible to see just how much the Barn Theatre has put into ensuring that not only is the experience the safest it could possibly be but also ensuring that the quality of theatre is above and beyond all expectations.

A wonderful five-star production that I hope the Cotswolds cherish this Autumn.

Marry Me A Little runs at the Barn Theatre, Cirencester until November 8.

Tickets from £10. Tickets can be purchased at barntheatre.org.uk or calling the box office at 021285 648255.