If you want to be transported back to the glam and sequins of the 40s and 50s then this is the show for you. If you want a strong storyline and a West End feel then this is not the show for you. There's no disputing that this show is full of glamour and sparkle but it kind of felt like there were two shows in one.
The musical journey of 40s and 50s hits was derailed every time guest star Ruthie Henshall came on stage. I'm a huge fan of Ruthie, having admired her work for many years so I revelled in the fact I got to see her live again. But as I said, she seemed a little out of place. She is a star in her own right and shone on stage, performing some of her own repertoire such as 'All That Jazz' and 'Life is a Bowl of Cherries'. She was witty and charismatic and a thrill to watch but I just wanted her on stage longer, the show would have been much more coherent if the guest star joined in the full cast member songs and dances instead of flitting on and off.
The majority of the show focuses on the singers and dancers who actually perform the glitzy numbers. The main performers work alongside the ensemble and recorded soundtrack to perform wonderfully choreographed numbers including They Can't Take That Away From Me and medleys from Carousel and South Pacific.
The tap happy, Good Morning was a standout performance for me, along with I Got Rhythm. I was somewhat perplexed by the Cockney Knees Up?! Not exactly what I'd think of when I think of Hollywood numbers but it got the audience joining in for sure!
I can't say the demographic of the show is my age group but the older members of the audience seemed to lap up every performance, with the ladies in front of us whooping and singing along to every song! The Golden Age of Hollywood was certainly present in this show with more sparkles and costumes changes than you can imagine but to me it was a bit like a cruise ship cabaret. Every number was extremely well executed but it didn't leave me with that warm feeling I get after loving a show!
This is certainly a show for those who have grown up listening to themusic of the 40s and 50sand who want to reminisce a little and I think with some reworking of the show to give it more of a storyline instead of just song after song that didn't fit together it could become a really memorable show! If you want a glitzy night out and a laugh then definitely go see this show!
*I was provided press tickets for this show but all views and opinions are my own.
