Tuesday, April 19, 2016

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Productions)


Creators of the hit show ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’ return to Malvern Theatres with their other jukebox musical ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ showcasing the works of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Timeless classics such as Viva Las Vegas, Sweets For My Sweet, Teenager In Love, And Then He Kissed Me, Please Mr Postman and Tell Her are interwoven into a charming love story set on an American Air Force base in ‘sunny’ Lowestoft in the early sixties. Free from their parents, two sisters escape Luton, heading off to the seaside, finding love and romance in unexpected places.
The romantic lead, Curtis, is taken by James Denton and although he doesn’t seem comfortable playing the love struck GI, he really comes into his own when he serenades the focus of his affections, Marie, reprised by Elizabeth Carter who is delightfully innocent and naïve, with the voice of an angel. X factor contestant, Lola Saunders, is great as Marie’s feisty, older sister, Jennifer, proving her competence as a comedic actress and dancer, as well as vocalist. Star of the pop band Blue, Antony Costa, revels in the part of Milton, with a very convincing New York accent and secure vocals. Sackie Osakonor’s muscular stature, as Rufus, is as impressive as his vocals and highlighted the interesting choice of the casting director to cast overweight men in the role of American servicemen. Audience members were discussing the male physiques during the interval and carrying extra weight in a role where the characters are supposed to be at peak physical fitness is something that the performing arts industry would absolutely not accept from female performers auditioning. It’s important that casting should reflect society and present a variety of body shapes and sizes, however, casting has to be appropriate to each specific role to make it believable and it is part of the actor’s job to then stay in shape. The women clearly recognise the importance of that.
Rachel Nottingham and Kieran Kuypers deliver great performances as Marie and Jennier’s, long suffering parents and Anna Campkin is brilliant as Doris from Leeds. Musical talent oozes from every pore of the immensely gifted cast of actor musicians, who make up the Forces’ band. The rest of the supporting cast deliver slick performances throughout, maintaining the energy and enthusiasm required for such a show.
Bill Deamer’s choreography is bright and cheery and despite being a little repetitive it caters perfectly for the varying dance ability of the cast making everyone look good. Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran write simple, but effective dialogue that keeps the story moving along at a pace and Mark Bailey’s set and costume design perfectly compliment the era and vibrancy of the time.
Save The Last Dance For Me is an entertaining and enjoyable night out with a sweet storyline and wonderful, live music.

4 stars

Thursday, April 7, 2016

END OF THE RAINBOW

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Paul Taylor Mills & Mercury Theatre in association with the Belgrade Theatre)


Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland
Lisa Maxwell gives the performance of a lifetime with her tribute to Judy Garland in the wonderfully captivating End Of The Rainbow. Better known for her nine year stint in The Bill and being a regular favourite on the lunchtime magazine show Loose Women, Maxwell astounds with the most incredible interpretation of Hollywood’s movie-musical legend. Her visual, physical and vocal mimicry is breathtaking as she gives us an insight into the tragic personality of this gay icon, battling with drug addiction and alcoholism and the resulting crippling anxieties.
The story takes place in London at the start of a ‘comeback’ tour in 1968, only months before her untimely passing, with the action switching between her hotel suite and The Talk of the Town cabaret club. Her young, new manager, and soon-to-be fifth husband, Mickey Deans, strives to help Garland overcome her demons and rebuild her career, which lies in tatters, as she faces financial ruin. He is aided by the songstress’ accompanist, Anthony Chapman, whose love for Garland runs deep, fuelling his attempt to save her from herself and the impending marriage.
Sam Attwater’s impressive stature, as the fiancé, dwarfs the delicate frame of the silver-screen star, juxtaposing her fragility with her strength and resilience. Gary Wilmot is absolutely perfect as Garland’s pianist and silent rescuer. His solid stillness and witty repartee are a constant in the crazy dichotomies of show business. The final member of the players is Simon Pontin, who is great in his various cameos.
Brilliantly directed by Daniel Buckroyd, the star of the show has to be Peter Quilter’s script, which is a superb mix of pathos, comedy and music. The dialogue is engaging throughout and despite the sadness of the situation, the storytelling remains energised and ever hopeful, cleverly challenging our opinions of each character as they struggle to cope on their collective journey.
I have heard that the tour has been cut short, due to poor ticket sales. This is criminal for such a worthy production. It is, without doubt, one of the best shows I have seen for a very long time. End Of The Rainbow is engaging, powerful and funny. It is as deserving of packed houses as Lisa Maxwell was of the standing ovation she justly received. This is live theatre at it’s absolute best!

5 Stars