This is the third instalment in the Dreamboats & Petticoats stage franchise. The story follows the continuing trials and tribulations of Bobby and Laura.

Hit recording star of Venus in Blue Jeans, Go Away Little Girl, It’s Almost Tomorrow and many more, Mark Wynter will be joining a company of established Dreamboats and Petticoats favourites from the past fifteen years. Due to its effervescent score and sitcom-style book this show would go down a storm on a glamorous over 60’s luxury cruise ship voyage. At times it felt so “cruise ship” (in the best way possible) that it wouldn’t have come as much of a surprise if Jane McDonald burst through the auditorium fire exit doors with a camera crew in toe. Congratulations to cast and crew for pulling off a truly feel-good show – the band and cast are a class act of talented individuals! Bravo. Mike Lloyd as the Butlin’s camp jobsworth cum ex-army sergeant major personifies the dying Britain that has just abolished national service, thereby providing the vacuum soon to be filled by youngsters ready to enjoy themselves without fear of their lives suddenly being put on hold on some god-forsaken parade ground. Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran’s sitcom style book never takes itself too seriously, embracing its own flaws; most of the dialogue is written with the aim of shoehorning in another song and as soon as any real drama begins to develop it’s brushed over… but no-one is complaining! We all recognise it’s an attempt to keep this night at the theatre a barrel of laughs and fun-time nostalgia that your nan will love.

a b c d e Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music (Firsted.). Virgin Books. p.285. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X. Yes, it’s a long-lost England in which the generational void is not so much a gap more a yawning chasm. Hit recording star of Venus in Blue Jeans, Go Away Little Girl, It’s Almost Tomorrow and many more, Mark Wynter, will continue with the company of established Dreamboats and Petticoats favourites from the past fifteen years.

It didn’t help the cause that I had reviewed ‘Beautiful’ the Carole King musical the night before where the talented Douglas McGrath has written a book that is as sharp as it is crisp – lifting and complimenting the huge songbook. a b Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1sted.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p.113. ISBN 0-85112-250-7.Kenwright is served by a 17-strong cast, who are all consummate multi-tasking professionals – they act, sing, dance and make their own music on brass, strings and percussion. In addition to producing, Kenwright also directs – which he does with the affectionate touch of one who has obviously loved and lived in that halcyon era. A final special shout out to audio man Chris Whybrow who delivered a pretty authentic 60s sound – Sheridan Lloyd for magnificent MD-ship and nimble fingered keys, plus my top man – Daniel Kofi Wealthyland – for being the most exciting drummer I’ve heard in a long while. He drove each number with a passion in every beat. Enter ‘The Kellys’ – a wondrous vignette featuring a parody of clean-cut 60s trio ‘The Bachelors.’ They spoof the very worst of Eurovision entries with a dreadful number called ‘Whizbang Gang’.

Whenever you see a musical production with Bill Kenwright's name on it you know you can expect the best in musical productions! The choreography by Carole Todd is engaging and accurate – from the ‘Shadows’ dance steps of the guitarists to the hands in the air ‘Stop! In The Name of Love’ motions of the ensemble. One other thing. Every one of these classic songs hits the spot, proof that the genius of the 1960s songwriters remains untarnished by the passage of time. Every single cast member was outstanding and loved every minute. No way could you sit through the whole show and not tap your feet, clap or snap your finger. Well done all, a round of applause really isn’t enough ☺️💕Selected items are only available for delivery via the Royal Mail 48® service and other items are available for delivery using this service for a charge.