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Saturday Night Fever

Published Monday 12 July 2004 at 10:00 by Lisa Martland

Only a few bars in to the overture and there are people tapping their feet to the beat - that is the power of Saturday Night Fever and in particular the Bee Gees’ hit score for the original 1977 movie. Despite a stint in the West End back in 1998 and an extensive UK tour of late, the musical’s popularity never diminishes. And the result of all that recent venue-hopping has ensured that this is a polished production in which an impressive, energetic ensemble look very much at home.

Kym Marsh in Saturday Night Fever

Kym Marsh in Saturday Night Fever Photo: Tristram Kenton

While Stephane Anelli, in the lead role of Tony Manero, does not always set the stage alight, he is a fine dancer and quite brilliant at exuding charm and arrogance. Zoe Ebsworth, as Stephanie Mangano, acts well and makes a feisty dance partner for Tony, although her wavering accent is a little irritating. Alex Jessop also deserves a mention for his touching portrayal of Bobby C.

Not surprisingly though much of the pre-publicity for the show surrounded the casting of Kym Marsh, former member of Popstars band Hear’say, and Shaun Willamson of EastEnders fame. Marsh is extremely likeable as Annette who sings sweetly of her unrequited love for Tony. In contrast, Williamson’s Monty the DJ is a large, camp Huggy Bear of a character who as well as being in good voice, knows how to get laughs and work a crowd.

Director/choreographer Arlene Phillips’ fast-paced and original approach is still very much intact, while designer David Shields cleverly brings home the contrast between the reality of Brooklyn and the glamour of disco.

Production information

By:
based on the Paramount/RSO film and the story of Nik Cohn, adapted for the stage by Nan Knighton
Composer:
Nigel Wright
Management:
Robert Stigwood in association with Adam Speigel Productions
Cast:
Rebecca Dent, Stephane Anelli, Shaun Wiiliamson
Director:
Arlene Phillips, also choreography
Design:
David Shields
Sound:
Mick Potter
Lighting:
Gavan Swift
Musical direction:
Phil Edwards
Run time:
2hrs 30mins
Website:
www.nightfever.co.uk

Production information can change over the run of the show.

Run sheet

Apollo, Victoria London
July 6 2004-April 2, April 3-October 22 2005
His Majesty's Aberdeen
November 14-19 2005
Theatre Royal Norwich
November 28-December 3 2005
Theatre Royal Brighton
January 16-21 2006
New Victoria Woking
January 23-28 2006
Grand Opera House Belfast
January 30-February 4 2006
King's Glasgow
February 6-11 2006
Swan High Wycombe
February 27-March 4 2006
New Hull
March 20-25 2006
Orchard Dartford
April 3- 8 2006
Corn Exchange Cambridge
April 17-22 2006
Marlowe Canterbury
May 29-June 3 2006
Theatre Royal Plymouth
June 5-10 2006
Congress Eastbourne
June 12-17 2006
Lyceum Sheffield
June 26-July 1 2006
Everyman Cheltenham
July 10-22 2006
Churchill Bromley
July 24-29 2006
Hippodrome Bristol
July 31-August 5 2006
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