BWW Reviews: DI AND VIV AND ROSE, The Vaudeville Theatre, February 2 2015

Di and Viv and Rose have arrived for their first West End production and have happily moved into their university halls of residence - the Vaudeville Theatre, following their previous stint at the Hampstead Theatre.

Amelia Bullmore's new play is simple. It tells of three girls who meet at university, who become friends, move into a house together, celebrate academic and romantic triumphs and drink cider from questionable crockery. Then they grow up and lead wildly different lives, yet stay in touch through various tribulations and arguments. Stereotypes abound and some dialogue is utterly generic - but doesn't every student have generic yet genuinely awe-inspiring conversations and experiences within their, nonetheless, unique university experience?

Paul Wills has designed a set which will be familiar to many; the girls' flat is that functional, slightly manic attempt at homeliness still perfected by today's students. Anna Mackmin's direction of her small cast is tight and fun - the opening sequence is slick and though jokes are occasionally left on the stove for slightly too long, there are some gorgeous moments of comedy in here, including an irresistible giggle-fit and some glorious air guitar.

Though it's a shame that in this century gay characters are still often written as stereotypes, Bullmore is by no means the only author guilty of this and Tamzin Outhwaite is a fantastic Di. Samantha Spiro is a strong Viv, and her outfit is the victim of one of the show's best recurring jokes. As ever, Jenna Russell positively shines; though she may seem rather over the top initially, somehow all falls into place and we are left with that slightly impossible and ridiculous friend - but she's still completely irresistible.

Oliver Fenwick's lighting design and Simon Baker's sound really add to the show's atmosphere; the opening music is particularly effective.

All in all, this isn't Shakespeare, though the tragedy is a bit clichéd. However, it evokes a lovely sense of nostalgia and is great fun. Go with an old friend - or your new friends from uni.

Di and Viv and Rose is playing at the Vaudeville Theatre until May 23 2015 and contains an incident of strong language.

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