Reader Reviews
Naked Boys Singing! (Arts Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | My friend and I went to see this production at the Charing Cross Theatre. What can I say - it's a delight for the homosexual audience (who were in the majority) and it's just about average for the hetrosexual audience. Some funny bits with a lot of tackle being flung about! - A nonymous | 11 Oct 11 |
| Just to clarify: In the New York production the cast are naked from the first moment - which believe me gets stale pretty quickly (That was one of the reasons why the first UK production at Madame JoJo's bored critics and audiences and closed almost immediately) By contrast in the current and successful London production, now in it's fourth season, you have a chance to get to know the boys a little as you watch them audition and prepare for the naked finale. Don't worry you still get plenty of nudity but it's sexier in this version because there's been a build up to it and getting to know them clothed means their nakedness means more. The casting of the London production is top notch with terrific and sexy performers who sing and dance to a very high standard. This new approach received a four star review from Time Out and is the West Ends most successful late night cabaret. - NBS | 12 Mar 11 |
| Saw the show a the Arts Theatre. Waiting so long for the 'show' was really tedious. Took away the interest in the songs and the performances of the individuals involved. Also a pain to think that the audiences in New York had such a better presentation. Even what was on show I found 'unexceptional'! - Noel | 14 May 10 |
| What absolute ROT the synopsis writer and reviewer is talking!!.. I went to see this show in 2000 (maybe 01) at the Raymond Revue Bar in Soho, London and I'll grant you they had their clothes off for the entire performance, but there can be NO disparaging remarks made about the songs or their content. As a case in point, the song entitled "Jack's Song" (which the reviewer calls "I beat My Meat incorrectly) is a tong in cheek thought provoking but naughty song aimed to make us think that they are talking about masturbation BUT, if the reviewer had listened properly they would have realised it is actually about the serving of steak (the singer is wearing an apron and a chefs hat during the song, so it should give the game away really!) It is my assertion that hte "critic" that went to see this show should have a Humour transplant, because he certainly seems to have lost his completely. In fact, one would have to question his integrity as a critic at all if he couldn't even read the above situation as an insighful look at what filty minds we have individually, given that everything that they sing can be seen in either the sexual or the culinary format. Quote from the song:" Pardon us for moralising/ but our favourite form of excercising/is socially correct as well as appetising/'Cos who would serve a steak in need of tenderising/ So.. I Beat My Meat..." This is the funniest night I have ever been to and if you're expecting High-Brow entertainment, then don't bother going. If, on the other hand, you are a happy, humourous person without any pre-conceptions of what will happen and are just out for a great night's entertainment, then this is the show for you. I bought the CD after the show and am listeng to it now - it's so catchy!! Enjoy! - Phil Hodgson | 29 Jan 10 |
| Rubbish, sorry not funny or well sung and once their kit is off the show does not know where to go, plus way too Gay, even for Gays! Avoid. - jamie | 23 Jul 09 |
| The show is the right length and is fitfully amusing with one or two cute fella's. What lets it down is the quality of the lyrics. A lot of the songs just aint that funny. I agree with the WOS review. I got my ticket free via the WOS theatre club, but if I had paid full whack I would have felt short changed-both at the shows length and the poor quality of the songs. - Richard | 19 Jul 09 |
| I saw this show both at the Kings Head and on the first preview when I took a friend of mine who hadn't seen it. True the production was beset with a few technical hitches but being their first night in a theatre anyone would forgive them this. I think the show is great. Of course if you are expecting high-brow, life changing stuff you have come to the wrong theatre and if you come and still are still not convinced by the wit and sparkle of these boys then you at least can't blame the show's producers for false advertising - Naked Boys Singing does exactly what it says on the tin. What really is a shame about the review from the transfer is that the writer clearly doesn't understand that the show does not take itself seriously. No-one is claiming that the writing is Sondheim, it has it's tongue firmly rammed in it's cheek. Also not once have the cast's efforts been mentioned. What these boys do with this show is extraordinary and they are each given an opportunity for the audience to fall in love with them before the big 'reveal', a challenge which they all rise to with great energy and charm. A true star cast these boys will go (and have been) far. Have some drinks. Wipe your credit crunch frown off of your face, take a seat and enjoy some good comedy and some true talent! (no pun intended...I'm straight!) - Tobias | 10 Jul 09 |
