Boogie Nights Discos into West End, 20 Oct

Saturday Night Fever is preparing to make room for another 70s musical in the West End this autumn. Boogie Nights - The Musical, not to be confused with the film Boogie Nights, arrives at the Savoy Theatre on Tuesday, 20 October 1998 (with previews from 16 October).

Starring former Grease star Shane Richie, Boogie Nights - The Musical is his semi-autobiographical story about birds, booze and boogie on a London council estate in the 70s. The show features disco hits including 'YMCA', 'Celebration', 'I Will Survive' and 'Play That Funky Music'.

Spokesperson Deborah Goodman admitted to What's On Stage that the title of the new production could well cause confusion. Although it shares a name and retro play list with the Hollywood film released in the UK this past January, the similarity ends there. The film Boogie Nights, starring Mark Wahlberg, tells the story of a prodigiously endowed teenager who is lured into LA's porn industry. On the contrary, 'Boogie Nights - The Musical is very much a family show,' said Goodman.

Shane Richie also acknowledged the differences between the two saying that no special effects would be needed in the musical. 'He Wahlberg may have a big part on screen, but I have a bigger part on stage,' said Richie.

Boogie Nights - The Musical is written and directed by Jon Conway, developed with the cast from improvised workshops. Choreography is by Alan Harding.

In addition to playing 'Danny' in the West End and tour productions of Grease, Richie has appeared in ITV's 'Lucky Numbers' and 'Love Me Do'. He is joined by a 16-strong cast including Lisa Maxwell (who also appeared in Grease), Sharon Benson (Carmen Jones, Cats) and Mark Thrippleton (EastEnders).

Boogie Nights - The Musical is currently on a six-month, 26-stop UK tour which kicked off in March 1998. It will have a limited 12-week run in the West End before continuing its tour. It is produced by E&B/AMG.

Related Content