That’s Entertainment Productions are ‘thrilled to be providing the 50th anniversary show to this historic and marvellous theatre and in Summertime Special have sought to capture some of the excitement, glitz and glamour of shows over the years’. The show is a time machine to seventies Minstrel Land, full of sequins and feather headdresses. With Broadway medleys, Brazilian routines and Las Vegas cabaret, this is a dancing, singing, comedy and magic show.
The ensemble dancers are young and talented, and although let down by a body-microphone this press-night, Katherine Manzi (who also choreographs), and Samara Stanton dance, sing and look sensational. Their partners, vocalists Peter Chapman and Richard Ratcliffe, are both smooth, mature showmen with a list of worthy credits, but seem a mismatch alongside these young women.
Chris Gidney’s magic was slickly crafted and presented, but lacks surprise and atmosphere. Main man, the ever-busy Syd Little is warm, funny and makes excellent contact with his audience. He is at his best when telling anecdotes and cracking jokes - the show has plenty of music content, so when he picks up his guitar and sings with the excellent band, I longed for more stories.
This show is ideal for the over-sixties to meander down memory lane, enjoying everything they watched on black and white TV, but this time in a blaze of colour. The applause proved for most this had been an entertaining evening. Syd and cast sign autographs and bid their audience farewell in the foyer - a nice touch.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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