Part physical theatre, part comedy, part history lesson, It’s So Nice is a two women play that describes the relationship of two cousins who never met. However, these cousins happen to be two of the most storied women in British history, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. Just in case you wanted another angle, the play is also in French, albeit with English subtitles.
Barbara Sylvain and Lula Béry, who play the aforementioned queens, are simply excellent as a comedic duo; they have a natural rapport that seeps into everything they do. It is this that makes the competition between the two historical women all the more convincing. However, this show is not all comedy - there is some good acting in the more dramatic scenes. In particular, the climax of the play felt poignant and held the audience in raptured silence. The physical theatre aspects are both interesting and well carried off, due to the excellent choral score that frames these often wordless scenes, giving them the gravitas they need to prevent them feeling random and out of place.
A slight issue was that, whilst the show was subtitled, they were not easily visible even at the front of the auditorium and were often obstructed by a screen utilised for costume changes. Furthermore, having to look backwards and forwards between actors and subtitles was somewhat tiring for the audience; I feel that French speakers may have got more out of this performance.
It’s So Nice is a well-acted and often amusing production that tells an excellent story, whilst also putting a smile on your face. Education and comedy: what more could you want!
