Dreamboats and Petticoats (Tour – Blackpool)

Dreamboats and Petticoats is one hell of a tight knit show which features an esemble dtermined to work together, as opposed to outdo each other which is a real joy to see.

The narrative follows the vein of a typical teenage love story, which of course is close to everybody’s hearts as this type of situation is timeless. The music is matched to this or should I say the other way round as this is a jukebox musical.

The show opens with Tony Winstanley as Older Bobby reminiscing with his granddaughter about the ‘old days’ which alternates very smoothly to the younger version of Bobby played by David Ribi and the rest of the London Youth Club singing “Lets Dance. ” This instantly creates a good impression as this is such a colourful first song sang with full character by the spirited cast.

Ribi is an exciting performer and plays Bobby with understanding and care and his voice is just superb. Laura played by Samantha Dorrance is in perfect voice and the actress understands her character’s needs fully and she is an absolute pleasure to watch.

As the other characters are introduced, it is clear that each of them held a key to the story and none where underused. References to people from the time period include the likes of Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison and is certain to make audiences chuckle and reminisce. 

A band play instruments live on stage and this offers audiences a rare treat as often you cannot see musicians as they are often hidden from view in a pit. Added to this are very  glamourous costumes, I wanted to own every one of them.

With every song I heard audience members singing along and I could tell they were itching in their seats to get up and dance as Dreamboats has an infectious quality. I would recommend this show to people of all ages.

In short, it’s toe-tapping, eye catching and well worth seeing on tour.

– Debbie Parkinson