UK Theatre Network

Encore

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

(until Saturday 23 May 2009)

It isn’t often that a theatre show can take you from the comfort of your seat to the sidewalks of New York City, on to the mystical land of Oz, and then place you in the poverty-stricken streets of Liverpool, but that’s exactly what the sensational singing group, Encore, do in their brand new show – and all before the interval, too!

Having earned themselves a reputation for excellence and established a faithful following, their shows are always a huge hit with audiences at the Customs House. Every time they are welcomed back to the venue I wonder how they’ll top their last show – yet every time they confound me and do just that.

Combining performances that are polished and professional with comedy sketches and dramatic excerpts from West End hit musicals, the group always manage to strike the right note with the crowd.

As well as performing many classic songs, Encore include a selection of their trademark themed sections. Their homagé to the well-loved sitcom ’Allo ’Allo, complete with double entendres using baguettes and French sticks, is a particular treat.

In addition to the group numbers, there are also some fantastic solo performances, notably Patricia Whale’s version of Good Morning Baltimore and Alan Davison’s deliverance of Love For Sale. But, it is Janet Peel’s emotionally-charged Tell Me It’s Not True that triumphantly closes the first act and puts her in the same league as any of the divas who have donned the crossover pinny and care-worn countenance to play Mrs Johnstone.

Encore are also to be applauded for their innovative decision to incorporate songs from contemporary shows such as ‘Wicked’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Blood Brothers’ into their repertoire. This is something that works very well and puts them even farther ahead of their closest competition.

This is an irresistible, irrepressible show that has all the ingredients of a great night out, and it’s difficult to leave the theatre without a smile. Don’t miss it!

Steve Burbridge.