Reader Reviews
Come Dancing (Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Outer London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Some of his contemporaries are cashing in with overpriced arena tours, despite the fact they can no longer cut it. Others are on tacky versions of 60's package tours, trading on their names and a handful of 45-year old hits. Then there's Ray Davies, always a pioneer and forever a Londoner, collaborating with our most populist theatre on a nostalgic, heart-warming and charming show. He was the first in a long line of London pop music storytellers - Squeeze & Madness followed and Lily Allen & Kate Nash continue the tradition today - so it is a perfect outlet for his undimmed talen, proven by some great new songs. Jenny Tirimani has created a retro Palais de Danse which just oozes 50's. The excellent band and cast serve Davies' story and score very well. Kerry Michael's continues this great theatre's grand tradition of shows anchored in the local community. It's an uplifting evening and a delightful experience. GO!!! - Gareth James | 02 Oct 08 |
| A very enjoyable evening. Ray Davies narrates this semi-autobiographical account of his sister's experiences of growing up in 1950's London. The play is a nostalgic, at time sentimental exploration of post-war hopes and the birth of the 'teenager'. It cleverly avoids the 1960s (clearly a decade that made Davies' name) and follows the interesting period that seperates two distinct generations. Although lacking in bombastic, 'Lloyd-Webberesque' memorable hits, the songs are well written, diverse in melody, at times witty at others moving. and delivered with aplomb by the cast. A really lively, thought-provoking musical, that also serves to unlock the inspiration behind an 80's Kinks' hit, Come Dancing. - Rory Collins | 25 Sep 08 |
