All you have to do is dream

Dreamcoats and Petticoats

The 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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