Hot Stuff (Leicester)

I’m not afraid to admit that I was a little cynical about Curve’s decision to resurrect Hot Stuff, a production so heavily associated with the late, great Haymarket Theatre they were almost synonymous with each other. Thankfully, director Paul Kerryson and his creative team have freshened up the production giving it a new lease of life and a welcome new home at Curve. Sara Perks‘ set and Chris Ellis’ lighting designs make exceptional and effective use of the size and height of the Curve stage and the technology the venue has to offer.

Hot Stuff, set in the late 1970’s, tells the story of ordinary guy and wannabe rock star Joe Soap (Jason Denton) who sells his soul to the devil in return for a rock star lifestyle. Sadly the clause where he has to ditch his girlfriend Julie (Ngo Ngofa) doesn’t sit so comfortably. We follow the highs and lows of Joe’s career and conscience via an array of numbers from Glam Rock, to David Bowie, to the Sex Pistols, to the Tina Turner-with a multitude of others in between.

Making a welcome return to the production is Melvin Whitfield as the Narrator – his performance of John Lennon’s Imagine gave me goose bumps. The unashamed star of the show however, has to be Ceri Dupree, reviving the role of Lucy Fur. His, or should that be her, delivery of witty one-liners and audience interaction had me in stitches throughout. Every time he left the stage for another impressively quick wig and frock change, a massive void was left that only he could fill.

By the end of the show the entire audience were up on their feet! Whether you’ve seen Hot Stuff before or not, I can assure you of a great, nostalgic, night out!

– Debbie Longley