This pacey show wastes no time creating energy and the cast is right in amongst it from the opening notes from the impressive band of musical director Sean Green in the pits.
On stage the outfit laughably called Simply Wed runs into trouble when lead singer Robbie Hart get involved in a love tangle and quits for a job in the city. In between they get into some bad scenes as Robbie takes his hurt out on unsuspecting party guests.
The whole cast is nothing less than immaculate throughout, sharp on its lines and neat on its feet, with no signs of hesitation. The singing is particularly strong, and the old Hi De Hi favourite Ruth Madoc earns a big cheer for her cameo Rosie role that includes a cheeky number Note from Grandma and a saucy twerk.
Ironically a production peppered with references to big pop hits such as What’s Love Got to Do with It? and Endless Love offers no great songs of its own. But the music of Matthew Sklar and lyrics of Chad Beguelin dovetail perfectly with the stage action. The moments of cynicism are soon dispelled by some great one-liners and a few sweet songs.
Superb Cassie Compton comes closest to achieving a consistent “Noo Joyzee” local American accent and her diction is beautifully clear as the charming Julia Sullivan, while Jon Robyns gives the complete performance as Robbie, capturing brilliantly his swagger and ultimate vulnerability. He is the perfect fit for this role, combining fine singing, good dancing and quick wit.
Ray Quinn is a gloriously oily Wall Street shark, a wonderful slime ball as Glen Gulia, while Tara Verloop’s bold attempts at seduction as the steamy Linda give this hugely entertaining show one of its most glorious sexy moments.
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