Monday, 24 October 2011

All Aboard The Dreamboat!

Hop back to Essex 1961, where there’s Brylcreem, crinoline and rock ‘n’ roll. Dreamboats and Petticoats is the story of Bobby and his dreams of becoming like his idol, Roy Orbison, and getting the girl.

Dreamboats is a lively show with live music and a whole lot of dancing. The storyline isn’t particularly strong and the love triangle is predictable but the characters are funny and vibrant. The music is performed by the cast and has a great sound. Special mention goes out to the two saxophonists who were especially good.

The cast, despite being made up of a lot of newcomers to musical theatre, were all great and seemed very natural onstage. Des O’connor is starring in the show at the moment and, it has to be said that, regardless of his obvious nerves and the occasional slip of the tongue he plays his parts very well. And good on him for singing "Hey! Baby" with a room full of people.


 
The set is excellent and well designed for the show. The costumes are great but a little clichéd for some of the characters.

All in all this is a fun show that’s suitable for all ages. It’s a laugh for the youngsters and it brings back fond memories for the over sixty fives. I really enjoyed it and I’m thinking of booking up for next year to take my mum and grandparents.

Mark out of 10: 7

Venue: The Playhouse Theatre is either cramped or cosy depending on how you look at it, but it has decent facilities and the stage, lighting and acoustics are all great. However it is not great for wheelchair users. The theatre is easy to find - a two minute walk from Embankment tube station and, if you’re looking to make an evening of it, there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby.
 
EJH

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