Laughter in the Rain

Published by: Sue Marks on 8th Jun 2010 | View all blogs by Sue Marks

Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield present

The Neil Sedaka Story

At Milton Keynes Theatre

As someone who is not a huge fan of Neil Sedaka I was pleased to find I enjoyed this show more than I had anticipated. The programme featured 40 songs interwoven around the ups and downs of Sedaka’s life and illustrating a musical career spanning over 50 years. Although the show is almost three hours long (including an interval) it zips along at a fast pace. Wayne Smith plays Neil Sedaka and he is excellent in the role, he is charismatic and has a great voice. He is complemented by Julia Farino who gives a fine performance as his girlfriend and subsequent wife Eleanor.

Sedaka’s songwriting partner Howard Greenfield is played by Edward Handoll who is very plausible in the role. Smith and Handoll manage to convey to the audience the close bond that exists between these two people both professionally and as friends. Having grown up in the same neighbourhood they were introduced by Greenfield’s mother. They discovered a common bond in that they were both regarded as misfits by their peers. Their songwriting partnership was hugely successful.

I was amazed to discover that Sedaka appeared to live quite frugally having given control of his money to his mother initially and then to his manager who was extravagant and failed to pay the taxes.

Some performers took three roles such as Natalie Hope who played Carole King among her characters. I think most people performed well, but I wasn’t impressed with Kieran Brown’s portrayals of Tony Christie and Elton John.

The set is very striking with lit panels in a semi circle. During the show images are projected onto these panels to illustrate the story. When Sedaka flew to England there were photos of the USA on the left side with a plane in the centre panel and photos of England on the right hand side. Sometimes there was film footage shown and at other times there were pictures of record labels. There were numerous other combinations. The colour of the lighting around the edges of the panels changed sometimes it was blue, sometimes red. Other lighting was also used effectively.

There was a small band of excellent musicians on the stage at the back; I particularly liked Lindsay Goodhand on saxophone. There was also a group of vibrant dancers who are dressed in keeping with the era who blend in with the other performers.

Among the many songs featured in the show are the well known hits such as Stupid Cupid, Oh Carol, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Calendar Girl, Amarillo and of course, Laughter in the Rain.

The audience certainly appeared to enjoy the show with people clapping along. It certainly seemed to have the feel good factor as the audience were smiling as they left the theatre. If you’re a fan of Neil Sedaka this show is a must, even if you’re not a fan but like these classic songs, it is well worth seeing.

Laughter in the Rain plays Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 7^th June to Saturday 12^th June 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing Truro Hall for Cornwall from Monday 14^th June to Saturday 19^th June 2010.

UK Theatre Network