Really, we ought to be paying them a product placement fee for the prominently displayed copy of The Stage brandished by principle vocalist Aston Dobson in the opening number. But that’s not the reason I’m about to heap praise on this excellent end of the pier variety show.
At the heart of the programme is irrepressible comedian Keith Simmons, whose broad style has a touch of Tommy Cooper about it, particularly in a knockabout disappearing cabinet routine with his straight man son Ben.
There’s more magic of the straight, silent type, from promising 16-year-old Luke Cook, while Andy Eastwood is a youthful embodiment of old school variety, playing Elvis songs on a ukulele then proving to be a virtuoso high-speed violinist. But these soloists also blend into a true ensemble production.
Collectively, director/choreographer Di Cooke, set designer Ian Westbrook and costume designer Laura Whyte create a fluid, colourful show with a real visual sparkle, while Amanda Hill deserves a mention for the crystal clear sound.
The dancers are a cut above the usual provincial show, being both beautiful and acrobatic, with some slick lifts and handstands thrown into their routines. Particularly effective is a dream-like contemporary ballet number dressed in shades of grey and set to an instrumental arrangement of John Lennon’s Imagine by musical director Nigel Hogg.
This is a show worth seeing twice - and you can, because in alternate weeks the cast are performing two shows with completely different costumes and music.
Pavilion Theatre, Cromer, June 20-September 19
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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