Exploring the Enigmatic Life of Yves Saint Laurent in Ready to Wear at The Other Palace

Sarah
44 minutes ago
3 min read

Theatre exterior with bill boards and posters outside — The Other Palace exterior

London’s theatre-lovers are in for a treat at The Other Palace, the discerning theatrical gem in Victoria. This is where fresh musicals incubate— known as 'Musical Bites' these intimate, script-in-hand readings invite you to savour 45-minute excerpts over your lunch hour—plus, you can share feedback and feel part of a show before it hits the stage.

I went along to experience Ready to Wear written by Rachel Garnet last week. This production takes us into the life of the iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, offering an engaging look at his challenges and triumphs.

As I settled into my seat in the informal bar area, I realised how little I knew about Yves Saint Laurent's life. The musical entertained while educating me on key events that defined his journey. For instance, it reveals that Yves struggled with mental health issues, which he candidly spoke about throughout his life. In interviews, he admitted to battling depression and anxiety, challenges that many can relate to today. His experiences as a gay man during a time of societal upheaval were also poignantly illustrated. The backdrop of the Algerian War added further depth, emphasizing how the tumult of that era influenced his ground-breaking designs.

The narrative beautifully portrays Yves's relationship with 'Monsieur Dior', never Christian, showcasing the mentorship that helped pave his way in the fashion world. In fact, Dior once described Yves as “a true creative,” highlighting the significance of this relationship in launching Yves's career at just 21 years old.

Rachel Garnet, the talented writer behind Ready to Wear, effectively balances serious themes with moments of humour. This is similar to what she achieved in her previous work, Star Crossed, which I greatly enjoyed at Wilton's Music Hall. Her talent for mixing styles allows the audience to form a personal connection with Yves, making his struggles relatable while celebrating his creative genius.

Man sitting at a piano accompanying a standing man who is singing and a sitting female narrator in the bar of a theatre — Per Carminger reading and singing at YSL, Piana accompanist Steve Corley

As I reflect on the performance given by Per Carminger, accompanied on the piano by Steve Corley, I’m eager to see how the final production will unfold. I do hope that it will incorporate a bit more of the joy Yves experienced in his life. The only glimpse of happiness presented was his loving relationship with his partner, Pierre Bergé, which provided a heart-warming contrast to the weighty themes. Exploring this side of Yves could serve to create a more balanced narrative, allowing audiences to witness the multifaceted nature of his journey.

Looking ahead, The Other Palace boasts an exciting line-up of productions in this series. Upcoming shows include PTA, The Musical on 29th October and Legendary: The Myth of Creation on 12 November both anticipated to offer equally captivating experiences. If you're interested in experiencing the magic of new musicals, I highly recommend visiting The Other Palace at 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA.

As we anticipate the evolution of Ready to Wear, it's clear that this production is more than just a musical; it’s an exploration of the life of a man who transformed the fashion world. With its mix of humour and poignant themes, it invites us to reflect on the complexities of creativity and identity. I look forward to seeing how this production continues to develop and hope it captures the full spectrum of Yves Saint Laurent's extraordinary life.