Dreamboats And Petticoats

Set in Essex in 1961 the story focuses on the key members of St
Mungo’s Youth Club and how they get by in the age of innocence when distracted
by members of the opposite sex and great music. Being in my early 20s, the idea
of going to see a musical set when my parents were toddlers does not appeal. However,
as soon as the opening song kicks in – ‘Lets Dance’ by Chris Montez – the fact
it is from the sixties has no impact. The show is uplifting, upbeat and
enjoyable from start to finish.

There is no orchestra: all the music is played and sung live on stage
by a predominantly fresh-out-of-stage-school cast. The three lead girls, Laura
(Daniella Bowen), Sue (Carolynne Good) and Donna (Clare Ivory) possess strong
vocals. However the males are less impressive. Josh Capper as Bobby is
underwhelming if energetic, struggling to hit a couple of high notes. X
Factor 2006 finalist Jonathan Bremner (does anyone remember him?) has
the look but not the voice to play Norman.
Gareth Leighton who played Ray is the strongest male singer, yet has the
least solos.

Regardless, the audience forgive a few blips in the vocals and sing
along to songs including ‘Great Pretender’, ‘Bobby’s Girl’, ‘Let’s Twist Again’
and ‘Teenager in Love’, until by the end they are on their feet, dancing at their
seats or in the aisles.

Some clever references to famous figures and moments in history
coupled with the naïve innocence of the characters has the audience laughing
out loud. The biggest laugh comes when Bobby accidentally pushes Sue out of the
window and deadpan turns to the audience singing a line from Roy Orbison’s ‘Only
the Lonely’ – “There goes my baby, there goes my heart” – before continuing
with the rest of the song.

Old or young, for a great night out you can’t go wrong with
Dreamboats and Petticoats.

-Adelle Hopkins