Reader Reviews
Dreamboats and Petticoats (Savoy Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Fantastic show. We went to London twice to see this show again. A guarandeed Rockin' evening! - Naomi | 18 Jun 12 |
| Saw the show last week,amazing..cast were brilliant and at the end they had everyone up dancing .We would go again .Thank you to the cast for a wonderful afternoon and taking the trouble to go outside to meet people . - jackie | 04 Jun 12 |
| The script was truly dreadful, and the toe curling cockney accents made me wince. The whole performance was saved by the fantastic songs, even if they lacked any sharpness when performed. Des O Connor added a little celebrity sparkle, but sadly not enough to persuade me that this was a show worthy of the West End - E Culley, Bucks | 27 Oct 11 |
| Not really a theatre goer. Went to accompany a friend who wanted to see it. I was captivated from the moment the show started right to the finale. . Reminded of the quality of the music from that period, something that I had begun to think was just memory playing tricks with me. Wonderful show. - Derek | 10 Sep 11 |
| Aussie visitors in London in early June this year. Hadn't heard of dreamboats and petticoats, but it was near our hotel so thought we'd give it a go. We loved it! The quality of singing was superb (we saw Mamma Mia on 6th, and realised we should have seen it first to avoid disappointment). We have seen many shows, in London and elsewhere, and we thought the entire performance was exceptional, in fact the best we've seen. The entire audience sang and danced along at the finale, nobody was immune to the pull of the music. The live band was brilliant too. Altogether, an absolutely wonderful night out. And we bought the CD back to Oz with us, so the memories won't fade. - Ray and Linley Worrall | 09 Jun 11 |
| Good fun, fluffy, sing- and dance-along musical - cant understand how some were 'told off for singing', I saw this at The Playhouse (london) yesterday, and the actors actively encouraged us to get up sing and dance... i may not have known all the songs (im 34) but my mum knew every single word and sang along loving it all! this never tried to pretend to be a 'serious' play. having read some previous reviews of those who left part way throu : i think you may have left your fun gene at home! thoroughly loved it! - sophie | 03 Jun 11 |
| Was told off for singing along to the songs and we weren't loud - when we spoke to management we were told its a serious play and there is no singing allowed. Shame they didn't tell us that before we booked - have sung along to Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, Mowtown Story and many many more - wholly disappointed at the theatres attitude - Karen | 27 May 11 |
| I don't enjoy musicals normally but I thoroughly enjoyed Dreamboats and petticoats. The cast gave everything, the singing was excellent they played a huge amount of songs all of which were lively feel good toe tapping numbers and I left the theatre feeling great. Surely thats the aim of all theatre performances and this show really delivered. I have looked through the other comments and glad to see that most others agree,if you're looking for a plot then go watch a thriller. If you want a simple storyline which is enjoyable and you want to leave feeling good then this is the show to watch - A. Antoniou | 24 Mar 11 |
| Lovely, very enjoyable. Obviously around in the era so brings back memories. Don't take it seriously and you will love it. Jersey Boys is rubbish. - L Pep | 27 Feb 11 |
| if you like the 60s this is the don't miss show of the centery let alone the year. all the music is played live on stage and not just acting to a backing tape ! i was so impressed that i came out and brought tickets to go again,next time taking my perents. if your not up singing and dancing by the end there is something wrong with you. this master piece only runs in THE PLAYHOUSE london till may. after i have spoken to a lot of my friends i am sure they will sell out very quickly,get ticket while you can for the best show in town. thank you for a brilliant night's entertainment and a memony that will never leave me. - paul dietman | 27 Nov 10 |
| Probably to an old hack who routinely has to sit through a myriad of shows and offer a totally subjective review, this show will be a little shallow, but to 99% of the paying audience this wiil be a fabulous trip down memory lane via some of the best pop songs ever, spectacularly performed by a very capable cast. The musical ability of the band is simply great and the overall musical production is of the best order. I suspect no one involved in presenting this gem, considered giving us a deep and serious plot, but instead provide us with a feel good, humorous and nostalgic great night out and a good boogie to boot! See it! - Paul Squires | 21 Nov 10 |
| Seen on tour in Southend. It would be churlish to speculate how quickly the book for this jukebox musical was knocked off or how cheap the set was, but that would be to miss the point that Dreamboats and Petticoats is an evening of pure fun from a time now viewed with rose tinted nostalgia. If you don't like a song don't worry - there's another in two minutes, all performed by a mostly young cast who sing, dance, play instruments and occasionally act in an impressive display of versatility. Undemanding but undeniably hugely enjoyable. - David Baxter | 12 Oct 10 |
| Went to see this show yesterday 4/09/2010 in West End. Went with a group from our operatic society, it is not a Les Miserables, nor a Phantom of the Opera, nor indeed a Stephen Sondeim show, all of which we all familiar with, and big fans of. What it is though, is a brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable bit of escapism back to our teenage years, (although there were people of various ages in our party). We found it Thoroughly entertaining and exhilarating. Surely there is room for all types of shows and it is unfair to see that people who enjoyed this show are stuck in a time warp. Go see and enjoy! - Gail Young | 05 Sep 10 |
| One of the best shows I have seen in a long time, ok the story line was weak, but the performance of the cast and music was outstanding. And most of the audience was up from the seats dancing at the end - Dave Ellis | 21 Aug 10 |
| Went to Windsor Theatre Royal on Friday night for the first time, what a great place. I went expecting to absolutely love the music, but find little or no story. The music was great and it had the whole theatre buzzing and wow! There was a storyline. Anyone coming to a Musical entitled Dreamboats and Petticoats shouldn't come if they looking for the intricate plots of Les Miserables. This is a FUN musical and you get out of it what your heart wants. I thought it was brilliant and will go again given half the chance. Daniella Bowen played the part of Laura so well, so understated, she made the audience actually gasp when she evenually got her man, or should I say boy. A real goof feel musical - David Rowlandson | 14 Aug 10 |
| Went to see the show on Thursday @ Windsor Theatre, and thought it was excellent, great fun, good lighthearted story, and the singing couldn't be faulted, - what fantastic voices they all had. Again people were up in the ailes for the last 2 or 3 numbers and seemed to really be enjoying themselves - would go and see it again tomorrow... and will! - Sharon Rowles | 07 Aug 10 |
| Plot? What plot? This is by far the worst Westend show of all time. Singers straining for notes, wooden performances and less professional than some school productions. Tony Christie has got to be the most wooden actor I have ever seen, let alone on a Westend stage! It is so contrived that you can almost see the plot mechanics crowbarring in songs, whose lyrics barely fit the narrative. Avoid. - Lee Brown | 11 Jul 10 |
| it Was banging blud. bare music and shit. manz was shacking out to d tunes blud. my bredjrins was bare gettin excited on the music fam. saaaaffffeeeee - Yunga f.G kid | 27 May 10 |
| Anyone who doesn't enjoy this show must be dead from the neck up. Just what this country needs - something to bring back the fun. Keep it up - J Boswell | 19 May 10 |
| We had a really good time everybody was dancing and singing,the cast were brilliant. - Mrs G Lines | 07 May 10 |
| - | The musical is about 50s/60s music - golden oldie era - if you don't appreciate the songs from then don't go. - jackie | 22 Apr 10 |
| Fantastic show - anyone that doesn't enjoy this show must be utterly boring. The music, actors were fun - full of nostalgia of happier times. - jackie | 22 Apr 10 |
| just been to see this in glasgow lastnight and omg wat an amazing show i am 21 and a self admitted loved of this kind of music, me and my mum danced the whole way thru the show, and OK! the actors/actresses werent great but at least it had a story line to it! instead of it being just singing, the end of the show was amazing every1 was out of their seats and dancing away. i would easily go and purchase more tickets because i thought it was great! - Jenni | 30 Mar 10 |
| Fantastic show, great music, the whole production rocked, as did the audience.Ben Freeman just the part and those lady sax players! Defy anyone not to be on their feet rocking! - Carol | 26 Mar 10 |
| Pathetic storyline, no new stuff of note, may as well listen to a golden oldie station. - beetee | 20 Mar 10 |
| Obviously the neagtive comments given for this show are from people who can't remember their childhood when everything was fun. Ok so the script is a little week but that is not the point of this show. It is pure escapism for everyone who wants to let their hair down and forget the troubles of the world. Loved the music and promptly bought the albums. Looking forward to seeing it again - B Passmore | 15 Mar 10 |
| Direct from the West End and Inspired by the smash hit million selling album of the same name. ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats the Musical features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Set in 1961, two young musicians; Norman (Jonathan Bremner – reached the last 8 of the X Factor 2006) and Bobby (Josh Capper) compete to win a national song writing competition and also the attention of the gorgeous Sue. Bobby soon discovers shy Laura (Daniella Bowen) who plays the piano and has a talent for song writing so begins the saga of teenagers in love. Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical features songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Furry, Chuck Berry and many more; including Let’s Dance, To know him is to love him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Only Sixteen, Great Pretender and many more. With hits that just kept coming; the last three songs of the finale “Lets Twist Again”, “At the Hop” and “C’mon Everybody”, saw the audience on their feet; dancing and clapping along. This production truly makes for a night of nostalgia. What I Liked and Disliked About the Event: I liked the lively music and stage lighting and design the most. However I disliked the storyline as it was predictable and repetitive in parts. To a certain extent I also disliked not knowing the songs and felt I was too young; as the audience was mainly aged 45+ years. What I thought about the Event: I thought that the music and singing was very good and that the production has a promising beginning but this faded towards the end. Why I would or would not recommend it to others: It is a feel good production taking people back in time to an era when rock ‘n’ roll was young. I would recommend it to an older audience who would enjoy singing and clapping along to the hits. I would also recommend the arts event to Performing Arts students who would be interested in the music and dance styles of the 1950’s and early 60’s; but in general, would not recommend it to people younger than the age of 14. - A Bosworth | 15 Mar 10 |
| Quite outstanding - OK so theplot is slight (so is most opera, and I don't hear the Glyndebourne brigade bitching about that) but the whole point is to peg out a line on which you can hang some of the best songs written in the late 50s and 60s. Take it from one who was there (in the 50s, 60s and the audience of this great show, I mean) they do it very, very well. If you don't care for the music from that era, don't go. If I get the chance I will go again (and I say that about almost NO shows) and I really don't want to see someone with a jesus-i-just-sucked-a-lemon face not enjoying this excellent production. Take your po-face elsewhere. The place rocked. - 70) | 04 Mar 10 |
| Direct from the West End and Inspired by the smash hit million selling album of the same name. ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats the Musical features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Set in 1961, two young musicians; Norman (Jonathan Bremner – reached the last 8 of the X Factor 2006) and Bobby (Josh Capper) compete to win a national song writing competition and also the attention of the gorgeous Sue. Bobby soon discovers shy Laura (Daniella Bowen) who plays the piano and has a talent for song writing so begins the saga of teenagers in love. Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical features songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Furry, Chuck Berry and many more; including Let’s Dance, To know him is to love him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Only Sixteen, Great Pretender and many more. With hits that just kept coming; the last three songs of the finale “Lets Twist Again”, “At the Hop” and “C’mon Everybody”, saw the audience on their feet; dancing and clapping along. This production truly makes for a night of nostalgia. - A Bosworth | 01 Mar 10 |
| Left at the interval! The worst show we have ever seen. Gave us a good laugh afterwards recalling just how dire it was. - Sarah | 01 Mar 10 |
| Predictable and Generic. Embarrassed to be one of the only people sitting at the end! - jackie | 26 Feb 10 |
| Have seen the show 5 times on tour and next time is in April in London, can't wait, both casts are brillant and show has a real 'feel good' factor, love love love it!!! - Tracey | 18 Feb 10 |
| seen the show in London and on tour and i must say it is brilliant,the music is fantastic as are the actors. If you want a good time at the theater then go and see Dreamboats and Petticoats - Mary | 30 Jan 10 |
| Didn`t fancy this at all but got last nminute seats and were wowed after the third song - by which time we`d learnt not to take it too seriously. The cast were amazing - mostly young and very talented. They all sing and play instruments as well as act. We have now booked to see it again in the West End. - John | 25 Jan 10 |
| I loved it. OK so there's no storyline as such but I didn't expect one, went for the songs and they didn't disappoint. Someone has said the acting was dire, but this was a light-hearted musical, not Shakespeare! I guess it depends on your expectations. The cast were so enthusiastic, looked to be really enjoying themselves and they gave their all. It was a real feelgood show and I'd go again. - northern_lass | 04 Dec 09 |
| pathetic - makes am dram a joy. Dire script, depessingly predictable - would have been more fun doing the ironing! - jane chapman | 19 Nov 09 |
| fantastic night out anyone who did noy enjoy this nostalgia did not live through the 60s we both loved it as did the rest of the audience great singing from a talented young cast will be taking the family in the new year - dorrien & caroline | 18 Nov 09 |
| Fantastic. Simple story. Great music to sing-along to. Will go again - Peter | 15 Nov 09 |
| if you lived through the sixtys youll enjoy this great show,it realy is what those times were all about.of course the story line was week its serposed to be this show is about music in the great era of the sixtys - les | 08 Nov 09 |
| This show was brilliant. I first saw it in Eastbourne and have seen it 3 times since. It just makes you smile from beginning to end and when you come out of the theatre you want to see it again - and I did. Brilliant cast, loved it all. - Carole Manklow | 01 Nov 09 |
| Toe curlingly awful script and plot. Dull choreography and staging. The acting and singing was tired with no sparkle. This show is never west end standard and gives musicals a bad name! It really takes something to make a show based around the fabulous music of the 50's and 60's dull! The audience only got up and danced at the very end of show when instructed to do so by the cast - it was hardly spontaneous! What a shame! - J Cole | 29 Oct 09 |
| Sensational! This Musical will win no awards for it’s plot nor for standards of acting and dancing but,for the songs,the sheer exuberance of the young cast and it’s general feel-good factor it merits six stars! Fun-packed, evocative, pre-Beatles Rock ‘n’ Roll teenage music perfumed with great skill and enthusiasm by today’s talented teenagers. I have never before seen an entire audience on it’s feet, clapping and dancing. A wonderful breath of fresh air. Every doctor in the country should be instructed to prescribe a visit to this show - it’s an instant cure for clinical depression! - Chris | 09 Oct 09 |
| I love this show i first saw it in Blackpool when it was on tour. And i have seen it 7 times since it has been at the Savoy. It is a real feel-good show, and i really dont know what there is not to like about it. It has a great cast and great music so go and see it if you can...... - Laura | 06 Oct 09 |
| What a good night out to see this show and be happy in these miserable times. Life was so simple and enjoyable for most people in the 60's. The show was fantastic the best we have seen for a long time. We have recommended it to all our friends. The whole cast were absolutely brilliant. - Beverly and Colin | 13 Aug 09 |
| Yes, as usual, people are men about feelgood family shows. Not every production can be intellectually challenging or polished to perfection. This show is fun, silly and evocative of the era it portrays. The cast are really good with lovely voices and musical ability. You can't fail to enjoy. There were people of all ages dancing in the aisles including my 10 year old son! We thoroughly enjoyed it and so did the rest of the packed theatre. - Avril | 05 Aug 09 |
| I disagree with all these negative comments, I first saw the show in Cambridge when it was touring and although I love the music I thought the casts enthusiasm, energy and talent was so infectious I've been following them everywhere. Since being in the West End the show has got a lot better & I think anyone who puts the show down is being like everyone else in the world today-negative. This is a fun show, admitadly if your looking for something extra stimulating it isnt the show for you but if you want live music, great songs, great singing & an adorable storyline its great! Liven up people! - Lynda O'Hyer | 02 Aug 09 |
| If you like the music from the 50's & 60's it probably would be best to stay at home as this is one show to avoid. And certainly the writers of the book should hang their heads in shame for coming up with such a feeble and limp story line. Some scenes were astonishingly bad - like the one in the Barber Shop. A sad reflection of the desperation of theatre owners to allow this into the West End. - Owen | 01 Aug 09 |
| It really is like watching the play year 6 put together for themselves at the end of term. Utterly horrific. - Jay | 01 Aug 09 |
| Although not intellectual or thought provoking in any way and the story is pretty weak it was lively, energetic and great fun. The cast were great, the audience loved it and were clapping, singing and dancing in the aisles. It was a wonderfully happy show with a real feel good factor. It is aimed at the baby boom generation but to say they have not graduated from Cliff Richard etc, is demeaning, I love the music from my teenage years but also think there are some great songs around now and thoroughly enjoy a lot of the popular music up to the current day. - Carolyn Gyseman | 31 Jul 09 |
| I have to totally disagree with Michael Coveney and his review of Dreamboats and Petticoats. He must have been sitting in the wrong theatre. It is people like him which close shows and turn theatregoers away with his total negative comments. I saw this show on Saturday and took my Dad with me who has never been to the West End before. We both thought this was an excellent show and judging by the audience they also agreed by singing and clapping along to the songs. The cast are brilliant and sing hit after hit. Ben Freeman was a particular surprise as we didnt know he could sing as brilliantly as he did. This is just the kind of feelgood show that is needed at the moment, so anyone reading this should ignore Mr Coveney and run along to the Savoy Theatre if they want a great night out!! - Matthew Gooch | 28 Jul 09 |
| This is a great show - loads of the feel-good factor that goes with singing/clapping along with long-remembered songs. Even the younger audience members enjoy the fun. No mention of the talented actor musicians keeping it all together in the background. Good stuff! Just what is needed in these gloomy times. People should lighten up and try to enjoy themselves - it might just work! - Toetapper | 28 Jul 09 |
| This is the worst show ever written, produced, directed and acted. I'm embarrassed to have this on in a London theatre. Not sure what Mr Coveney means by 'energetic'. There was barely any interesting choreography and the acting is wooden almost like watching a school play. The script is horrendous. None of the characters are interesting or have any real depth or warmth. The directing seems lazy, every encounter is put in centre stage in front of the boring photographic images: the sets are cheap and pointless. Surely they could have at least found one person who could act to be in this show? Shameful. - Freshlysquuezed | 28 Jul 09 |
