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All you have to do is dream
Dreamcoats and PetticoatsThe New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
**** DREAMBOATS and Petticoats is a lively and
fun show, nostalgically looking back to the magical era the 60s,
the height of rock-and-roll and teenage youth clubs. With their youthful energy and sweet hopes of the
future, the company transport us back to a time of courtship and song in
their opening night at the Alexandra with ashow based on the hugely
popular compilation albums. This large cast of musically talented performers
made sure everyone was entertained from beginning to end and even before
the curtain rises, the audience are greeted with a collection of
rock-and-roll classics to get into the mood before the excited teenagers
make an entrance in their story of hope and ambition. Each musical number stirred memories and with
forty five iconic tunes throughout the show, the audience warmed up
easily and toes were tapping in all areas of the auditorium. The early
Sixties experience was made all the more authentic as the talented
musicians became part of the story, playing live on stage, injecting a
lively blast into the party atmosphere. The rock-and-roll call was certainly a treat to
the ears with each performer exceptional in a show which relied on its
immense musicality. The enjoyable songs and talent of the cast made
up for the unfortunately wet story, which lacked substance in terms of
both dialogue and character interaction, the songs were something to
look forward to as this clearly was the company’s forte. The energy level, already high, picked up after
the interval and director Bob Tomson made effective use of a vibrant and
colourful set and a wonderful song-list to guarantee a nostalgic smile
on everyone’s face. The company certainly did their job of entertaining
and transporting many of the audience back to the good days. This was
clear from the standing ovation at the end with every member of the
audience getting up to dance during the closing numbers. Elizabeth Halpin
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