UK Theatre Network

The all new Original Tribute to...

The Blues Brothers

At Milton Keynes Theatre

Following a short comedy routine this show explodes onto the stage and maintains it’s vibrancy throughout the performance. Directed by Brad Henshaw, he also took a starring role as one of the brothers, playing Jake Blues. Elwood Blues was played by Daniel Fletcher.

 For the uninitiated, the original Blues Brothers were characters created by Dan Ackroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Jake) and their band The Blues Brothers were featured on the US comedy show Saturday Night Live in 1978, as part of a comedy routine. This led to the creation of The Blues Brothers movie. John Belushi’s untimely death in 1982 was the end for the band.

Brad Henshaw and Daniel Fletcher were excellent in the roles of Jake and Elwood, I thought they resembled the original brothers both in looks and mannerisms. The banter between them and with the audience was also realistic as well as amusing. They both had excellent singing voices and Elwood’s rendition of Under the Boardwalk was superb. Jake was very charismatic and performed some amusing stunts with a lasso.

Their three backing singers, The Bluettes (Jocasta Almgill, Alexus Ruth and Vicky Goddard) were accomplished vocalists. I particularly liked Jocasta’s vocals.

The set was impressive and incorporated the backing band on the stage. The band consisted of; David Foster (Keys/Music Direction) David Mian (Trumpet) Ricky Mian (Saxophone) Rufus Ruffell (Guitar) Paul Burton (Trombone) Zane Maertens (Bass) and David Keech (Drums). These musicians are excellent and gave a fine performance.

The lighting (designed by Tjeerd Hendriks) is stunning and is an integral part of the show. It features some powerful spotlights. There was also a large mirror ball which reflected some of the lights. The costumes (styled by Jose Schenk) are striking and prolific. I loved the sequinned dresses worn by the Bluettes. It was well choreographed by Debbie Jenner.

The show features 28 songs so I won’t mention them all, but Everybody (needs somebody to love) and its reprise in the finale, Respect, Gimme some loving, Under the Boardwalk and Think are among my favourites. Special mention must be given to Luke Jasztal’s excellent performance of Minnie the Moocher.

There were encores, I’m not sure how many as by this time a large amount of the audience were standing up and dancing, having been encouraged to do so by the performers. However, all the songs that were done as encores were listed in the programme as part of the performance so they were part of the show and not done just because the audience clamoured for more. The audience were enjoying the show and clearly wanted more. I really enjoyed this show, although I found the last ten or 15 minutes less enjoyable as my view of the stage was obscured by people in front of me standing and dancing. I would have preferred to see the performers on stage dancing than audience members who aren’t very good at it. I’m sure the people sat in wheelchairs would have liked to see the finale too. I don’t object to people enjoying themselves unless it detracts from the enjoyment of others.

This is an excellent show and tribute to the Blues Brothers; don’t miss it.

The all new Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers plays Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 6^th September to Saturday 11^th September 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing the Regent Theatre Stoke from Monday 13^th September to Saturday 18^th September 2010.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.originaltributetothebluesbrothers.co.uk

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 6^th September 2010.