The Young Ones

Published Wednesday 19 December 2007 at 15:55 by Jeremy Austin

Once again Upstairs at the Gatehouse has produced an energetic, youthful production without a hint of Christmas about it.

Performed on Mike Lees’ multi-coloured set, John Plews’ script retains the, shall we say, charm of the original Cliff Richard movie. Daughter Racky Plews directs with energy and gets her cast to camp up an already pretty camp show.

They just about get away with it. Richard Foster-King as the brainy legal clerk Ernest and Amy O’Neill as French singer Dorinda Morell occasionally tip the balance, over-acting their parts, but it somehow fits within the ridiculous nature of the show. O’Neill stands out as a dancer in the piece as does Foster-King for being, well, himself. A man with a career as a comedy ‘posh’ character actor lies ahead.

At first Jason Langley in the Cliff Richard role of Nicky understates his part, but along with Kay Milbourne as his girlfriend Toni, he finds his level and creates a sane counterpoint for the audience among the madness. Milbourne has an air of maturity about her and gives the best vocal performance on No One for Me But Nicky.

Racky Plews’ choreography is big and bold and suits the show well, although a highlight is Stewart Nicholls’ guest choreography on the big number We’ve Got a Show - so inventive.

It’s a camp Christmas Upstairs at the Gatehouse from another young, well-chosen cast.