Dreamboats and Petticoats Milton Keynes Theatre
Dreamboats and Petticoats at Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed 15th February
2010
Directed by Bob Tomson; Musical Supervision by Keith Strachan; Choreography by Carole Todd; Designed by Sean Cavanagh; Lighting Designed by Mark Howett; Sound Designed by Ben Harrison; Executive Producer Brian Berg.
A hardworking cast who are determined to please the audience are the central strength of this (and indeed any) production. Here, this very young cast are energetic, charming, bright and generally convincing. They truly look as if they are having the time of their lives.
The story by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran strangely came after the hit compilation album of the same title. Cashing in on this has resulted in a fairly thin story, one of teenage crushes, songwriting competitions, and growing up. It is mostly set in St Mungo’s youth club with an excursion to Southend thrown in.
This production really is an excuse to cram in as many hits from the early sixties as possible and there can’t ever be more than three or four minutes of dialogue before another of the 43(!) songs is squeezed in. Clearly this formula is working though as there is a London show running as the same time as this tour so obviously a demand.
It is really a production for those who were young during this era and clearly an enjoyable trip down memory lane for them. The majority of the audience greeted the evening with plenty of enthusiasm, swaying and singing away to all the musical numbers. That is not to say it is not enjoyable for anyone who does not have direct experience of this era as most of the music is familiar and includes enjoyable hits such as ‘Let’s dance’, ‘The Wanderer’, ‘Runaround Sue’, ‘Bobby’s girl’, ‘Dream Lover’ and the list goes on and on.
Performances are strong, particularly Josh Capper as Bobby, who has only been out of theatre school for three years.
Awarded most promising graduate in 2006 he was definitely one of the stand out performances of the evening. He looks the part, has a great voice for the most part, although the Roy Orbison number did cause a couple of problems, and comedic talent. He is very endearing as an dreamy awkward teenager.
Matching Josh in the comedy stakes is Wayne Smith as Ray who looks like a young Danny Kay and is as funny in places!
Again, great voice, convincing and a charming way about him. Bound to see more of these two in the future.
Daniella Bowen (Laura) and Carolynne Good (Sue, above) are both bright and chirpy as knowing, teenage girls with more experience than the boys. Strongest female performance is Bethany Compson-Bradford as the sweet fifteen year old with the songwriting talent and beautiful voice. She is rather wonderful.
Weakest link is Jonathan Bremner as Norman who whilst a pretty boy – he certainly raised a few eyebrows – and whilst having a pleasant enough voice does not bring a convincing performance to the stage. According to the publicity material he is ‘widely recognised from taking part on ITV’s X Factor where he reached the final seven in Sharon Osbourne’s group.’ Really? He’s not. Four years ago is a very long time ago in this day of immediate (and short lived) fame. He seems to have done a lot of celebrity party/charity gigs and is perhaps a decent enough entertainer. He is an adequate singer but not an actor and it shows amongst this cast.
Anthony Clegg (Phil/Older Bobby) and Simon Nock (Frank/Slugger/Compere) are the very experienced and more mature cast members and their confidence and ease on stage shines through.
All members of the cast deserve a mention really, particularly as the majority of them play the music live on stage throughout. That certainly says something about todays wealth of talent.
An enjoyable singalong evening of a trawl through the hits of the sixties with the tiniest thread of a story to hold it all together is the sum of this productions parts.
Dreamboats and Petticoats plays MK Theatre until Saturday 20th Feb
0844 871 7652(bkg fee). www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes
then continuing on an extensive tour
22-27 Feb Opera House, Manchester
1-6 March, New Victoria Theatre, Woking
8-13 March, Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool
15-20 March, Grand Theatre, Leeds
For full tour dates visit www.kenwright.com
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