Critics enjoy 'musically enthralling' Bacharach Reimagined

Michael Coveney, WhatsOnStage

★★★★★

" the show's four-star plus the way it makes so many familiar songs sound fresh as paint, even overlaying them on each other, playing them at unexpected tempi with novel syncopations, then finding the soul in the most deceptively bubble-gum of melodies, the most formulaic of heartbreak hotel lyrics."

"none of this show's versions sound like covers. In ex-Frantic Assembly choreographer Steven Hoggett's production they sound brand new, re-rhythmed, chopped up, spread around, and then subjected to the full rock band treatment"

"it is supremely theatrical, musically enthralling and the best sort of tribute show to a legend in his own lifetime"

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph

★★★

"the evening — which offers no bio-drama, no backstory, no declared connection between singers and song — doesn't strike enough of an emotional chord."

"Amid the zestful commotion, which entails much whisking on and off of mics and other gubbins, some unplugged moments achieve a raw, spine-tingling potency: Anastacia McCleskey's soulful rendition of "Don't Make Me Over" is sublime."

Henry Hitchings, Evening Standard

★★★

"He often makes the songs feel like rediscoveries, infusing them with jolts of rock or a light folksy charm. But we are still able to perceive and relish Bacharach's gift for surprising harmonies and lush atmosphere."

"The set, designed by Christine Jones and Brett J Banakis, uses lamps, rugs and old sofas to give the impression that we are in an intimate bar, relaxed and a touch quaint."

Michael Billington, The Guardian

★★★★

"this blithe and inventive show, first seen in New York in 2013, amply justifies its subtitle of Bacharach Reimagined."

"the show is cleverly staged by Steven Hoggett so that the songs seem to emerge spontaneously from a group of seven performers and musicians simply having a good time in a sofa-filled loft."

"This is no routine jukebox musical but a genuine reappraisal of the venerable Burt."

Mark Shenton, The Stage

★★★★

"Here his iconic songs are rebooted, reimagined and reorchestrated to make them sound utterly fresh again."

"director Steven Hoggett makes the cast of seven actor-singer-musicians, stunningly led by Riabko himself, swing, sway and sashay as they perform them. Yet it always feels organic to the music rather than imposed upon it."

What's it all About? Bacharach Reimagined runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 5 September. For more information and to book tickets click here.