Reader Reviews
All the Fun of the Fair (Garrick Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Seen it tonight in Hull. I saw the touring version about two years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't catch the West End run, but thought I'd go to see it again locally. A few changes from the first time, but they worked well, especially the Silver Dream machine scene. Loved it again, David Essex is still charismatic as Levi. Some of the original cast has changed, I think, but pleased to see Louise English was still there as Rosa. Overall, a slightly different version, but still a great night out. - Jenny Morris | 24 Mar 12 |
| Just been to see this in Glasgow have to say was not sure what to expect because I don't read reviews before I go to see any musicals or theatre shows. It was fantastic really enjoyed the music and the story was good too. Thought David Essex was very good and the guy that played Johnny was great. - Morag Duffy | 04 Mar 12 |
| just been to see this in milton keynes, all I can say is that I have see many productions over the last 22 years this truly has to be the worst. Extremely weak (David Essex) some great singing from other cast members, but a story line with no real substance. I would regard it as seen but forgetable. - andrea watson | 11 Feb 12 |
| Went to see it August 12th 2010 Seen countless other shows before and I rated this as good as any of them. good songs, liked the storyline & the acting was good. When the young lad was killed . I turned to the lady with me{Sandra}. and god bless........she was weeping for him. Thoroughly enjoyed the show .If its still on at Xmas we`ll be going to see it again with some other friends to see if they enjoy it too. I know we did.Well done the cast! - Don & San from Barrow in Furness. | 16 Aug 10 |
| Been to see the show twice now. Travelled down from Yorkshire with my wife and had a great weekend in London. The show is fantastic as the cast. Special mention to Tim Newman...what a star. Mr Essex still has that twinkle in his eye, which is why the front rows are usually full of ladies. As mentioned in other reviews, after the show David was more than happy to sign autographs and pose for photos....something of a rare thing I find nowadays. If we get a chance before the end of the run we will go again Well done to all the cast and crew - Andy Smith | 30 Jul 10 |
| Went to see "All the Fun of the Fair" last night as I am a fan of David Essex since his singing days in the 1970's. I enjoyed the show and would have loved to hear David sing more but understand that he's a generous star and allows others to be in the limelight other than himself. Well worth seeing even if you're not a David Essex fan. - Andreane | 21 Jul 10 |
| As mentioned by a previous review this show cannot be compared to the shows that have been on the west end for years, it is a show that has toured and was so popular it is now at the Garrick for 6 months. It was an excellent show and well worth the money, I and the 3 people I went with thoroughly enjoyed it. David Essex was a true star on the stage and afterwards at the stage entrance, he was happy to stand and pose for photographs with fans and sign any programmes or memorabilia. If you enjoyed his music in the 70's you will love this show. - Kim | 14 Jul 10 |
| Saw this show in the West End a few days ago and was disappointed it didn't match up to the touring production which I saw on many occassions in different towns. I love David Essex music and many of my favourites feature in the show, but the performance I saw lacked spark and it's transformation from new director David Gilmore didn't work for me. The original, under the direction of Nicolai Foster was far more endearing, as were the touring cast. Just felt like I was watching a cut price version, despite paying double for the tickets. - Essexfan | 16 May 10 |
| OK so i come from the "love David Essex" school of thinking, but for a small theatre show (you simply shouldn't be expecting all the big production of We will Roack you etc), myself & hubby really enjoyed ourselves. Essex never took himself too seriously,made fantastic contact with the audience, and had me humming his songs all over again. Yes the show could have had more of a backbone in places,but it looked as if the cast had a really good time, and in turn made for a very happy audience.Have i reccommended it to friends,,,yes. Loved the voice of Essex, certainly the Sunday mat. we saw he was in fine form. Treat it as a celebration of his songs with a bit of a story thrown in!Go enjoy,don't be put off by some of these reviews x - dennycat | 12 May 10 |
| Loving David Essex makes me very biased but this show is full of emotion and fun. The atmosphere in the theatre was wonderful. A show for everyone to enjoy whatever their age. - Karen | 09 May 10 |
| There were some excellent vocal performances from the younger members of the cast but not a show I will remember for years to come. Mr Essex is still a very attractive chap and the number of women in the audience of my age(47) and upwards is testament to this. One or two of the songs worked fairly well. Don't expect any fancy tricks with the scenery. All sung to a backing track, no live orchestra - you can't really count the four musicians on stage pretending to play bongos and guitar, It's a predictable storyline that has been done to death. Having said this, the show did keep my attention all the way through and it wasn't a complete dodgem crash. - TERRY | 08 May 10 |
| yes so its a bit so it places BUT the show is not cool and hip. Its ..... a great feel good show. You will walk out the theatre happy and singing the songs GO TAKE A LOOK !!! - John Applejack | 08 May 10 |
| was not impressed at all cast very stillted and poor story would not recomend it to anyone - Kay | 06 May 10 |
| If you saw the touring version of this show and are sitting back thinking you're already seen it ~ do yourselves a favour and take yourselves to see the West End version. I liked most of the cast of the touring play but the new cast seem a lot stronger and the new twists took me by surprise. Will definately be going back to see this show again - Yvonne | 06 May 10 |
| Fantastic - David Essex an icon - GO SEE FOR YOURSELF! - EKAWH | 04 May 10 |
| Not a great fan of David Essex but three days later I was singing winters tale. I enjoyed this show, ok it hasn't got the production values of Wicked, but neverless entertaining and better songs than Legally Blonde. And the cast were more enthusiastic than a recent Mamma Mia outing. Loved the merry go round horses that should have been used more. I wish it well. - Mike | 29 Apr 10 |
| About as bad as it gets. Rock on indeed! What a waste of time seeing this show was... The script is paper-thin, the acting wooden, the design shocking and the direction non-existent. How are productions like this granted admission to the West End? - Billy | 29 Apr 10 |
| A pleasant show and of course if you like David Essex songs then all the better. I would not think it will have a long run but it was quite enjoyable. - Joe Spiteri | 29 Apr 10 |
| Saw the touring version too which was better with better actors. New production takes away a lot of the songs!!!! Still a must though for all Essex Fans young & old. - carol | 29 Apr 10 |
| I thought the show was brilliant, I agree could ahve gone on longer, but he still has that magic - linda | 29 Apr 10 |
| I saw the touring version of the show 10 times and it WAS a better show 'on tour'. Sadly, the new director David Gilmore has tinkered with his new charge a little too much, with too many cast changes and not a lot of creative input! It wasn't broken, Mr Gilmore, so why feel the need to 'fix it'. Put all the songs back and stop short changing us. Give us back our extra half an hour! But, all that said, the show is still a wonderful story, sang and acted well and with good vibes throughout. Go see it folks, you can make your own minds up! Those who can, do. Those who cannot, become critics! Julie Waller - Julie Waller | 29 Apr 10 |
| This is the worst show I have ever seen!!! Dreadful script & poor singing. Felt like a poor amateur show. I suggest Mr Essex gives up. - aylesburyvale | 29 Apr 10 |
| Not a review as much as a list. You've excelled yourself again Coveney. - RDB | 29 Apr 10 |
