(Bill Kenwright Ltd & Laurie Mansfield)
Dreamboats and Miniskirts is the 60s sequel to the hugely popular
Dreamboats and Petticoats musical. It continues the story of Bobby and Laura,
as they struggle to produce another hit, following their initial recording
success, at a time when music and the world is undergoing historic
transformation, not unlike Norman and Sue who are preparing for the arrival of
their first child.
Yet again, another talented bunch of actor musicians make up this ensemble cast, delivering wonderful renditions of classics such as Twist & Shout, Pretty Woman, Be My Baby, and many more. Due to a curious directorial decision to understudy a lead role with someone in another lead role, it meant that press night saw two understudies playing two lead characters. Despite Alan Howell and Will Tierney doing an excellent job in their respective understudy roles of Norman and Tony, it is unknown the effect that this had on the overall production that night. Unfortunately, there was an absence of chemistry between the leads Alex Beaumont as Bobby and Elizabeth Carter as Laura and they had a general lack of energy, which led me to think that something wasn’t right. Their vocals, however, were undeniably delicious and a joy to hear.
Writers, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, managed to link a
plethora of unconnected, 60s pop hits, throwing in a good dose of laugh-out-loud
one liners, many of which were brilliantly delivered by Sheridan Lloyd as Andy.
David Luke as Ray is a perfect match for Anna Campkin, returning to the part of
Donna, who gives the most superb and captivating performance of Hello Stranger
and I Only Want To Be With You. Without question, the star of the show is
Louise Olley, also returning to her part as Sue. She oozes stage presence from ever
pore and gives an utterly truthful and engaging performance throughout. She
delivers her songs with effortless precision and musically enchants like a
siren of the sea. This lady is a star!
Carole Todd’s staging of the musical numbers is a bit hit
and miss. Some are beautifully choreographed and really add to the song and
others look as if they were forgotten about. Sean Cavanagh’s set is simple but
effective and vibrantly lit by Tim Oliver’s lighting design. Although there is
scope for improvement with this production, it is still a thoroughly enjoyable
night out. The music is timeless and a feast for the ears, particularly Josef
Pitura-Riley’s impressive trumpet solos. Dreamboats and Miniskirts runs at
Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday and then continues on tour around the
UK.
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