Dreamboats and Petticoats

Synopsis

In 1961 emotions run high as talented young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans - and more importantly, the gorgeous Laura. But when Laura shows that she’s no slouch with the guitar, rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more.

Our Review:

23 November 2010

Being given free rein to plunder the back catalogue of Universal Music must have seemed like a dream come true to writing partnership Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

The team behind TV production company Alomo, whose on-screen hits have included Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and The New Statesman, were asked to create the script for a new musical based around the album compilations being issued under the title Dreamboats and Petticoats.

The result, now well into its second year of touring, is much more than a straightforward jukebox musical: this is a proper show with a proper story.

Framed by the dramatic device of an ageing Bobby recalling his youth for the benefit of his granddaughter, the tale follows the teenage Bobby’s life and loves in 1961 Essex. There are jokey pastiches, topical references and – seemingly – hundreds of toe-tapping tunes from the era, which is brilliantly evoked by Sean Cavanagh’s design and Carole Todd’s choreography. The l...

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