Shucked - Review

Open Air Theatre, London

****

Music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally

Book by Robert Horn

Directed by Jack O'Brien

The cast of Shucked

Deliberately corny and for all the right reasons, Shucked arrives in London bringing this gag-fest of a show to the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park.

The plot may be wafer-thin, but this is a show that doesn’t set out to be anything other than a homage to Broadway wrapped up in an old-fashioned sugary love story.

The delight in this show is not just its rapidfire gags and puns, but rather the outstanding cast and fabulous direction that Jack O’Brien can bring to a simple narrative, O’Brien being a proven master in distilling and extracting the entertainment from the everyday. He is helped by a gifted company that includes the vocal skills of Steven Webb, Monique Ashe-Palmer, Georgina Onuorah, Matthew Seadon-Young, Sophie McShera and Ben Joyce together with the comic talent of Keith Ramsay. Add in the cast's exquisite harmonies and Sarah O’Gleby’s immaculately delivered choreography and it all makes for a technically fabulous evening of new musical theatre.

The narrative sags a touch in the second half. Perhaps there's only so far that such a corny plotline can reach? Equally Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally's musical numbers rely too much on corn rather than Country, leaving them proving sometimes unsatisfying.

But bravo to the producers of Shucked for having the cojones to bring this show over from across the pond. It deserves a longer London run.

Runs until 14th June

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

Jersey Boys - Review

Trafalgar Theatre, London

**** 

Music by Bob Gaudio

Lyrics by Bob Crewe

Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice

Directed by Des McAnuff

The cast of Jersey Boys

A cast - each stars in their own right - perform a riveting, but also humble take on the lives of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Jersey Boys is a story about growing up, the sacrifices that we make along the way and the heartbreak of those left behind, with phenomenal songs to tie it all together.

Ben Joyce leads the cast in his West-End debut as Frankie Valli, with an uncanny musical resemblance to that of the man himself. His voice is distinctive and powerful and manages to capture Frankie’s uniquely powerful falsetto. You won’t leave the show forgetting about his voice any time soon. The audience were in uproar at his solo performances, in particular, the very famous “I can’t take my eyes off of you”, which is without a doubt one of the best renditions of the song. Joyce plays a star, but his authenticity and emotional depth that he brings to Valli is what makes the character truly come alive.

 

Supporting Joyce to make up The Four Seasons are Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Karl James Wilson as Nick Masel and Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito. All three give sublime performances in their roles and are just as much stars of the show as Joyce.

Indeed, when the four perform together it is a truly fantastical experience. From Sergio Trujillo's brilliantly choreographed dance moves (Joyce does the splits!) to their 1960s costumes, this show does everything to make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. A live, black and white video is even displayed at the back of the theatre screen while they are performing the timeless hits. 

Special mention must be given to Yates who encapsulates everything De Vito was about. Being the first character story that the show begins with, Benjamin’s cocky, confident and downright smooth performance firmly thrusts the audience into the golden era of doo-wop quartets performing under the late night street lamps of New Jersey. De Vito is the progenitor of the group, bringing ‘green’ Frankie in and taking him under his wing, despite all his floors, if it wasn’t for De Vito we wouldn’t have the Frankie as we know it. And Yates' portrayal stays cool from beginning to end, eyes are often drawn to his background dancing which just oozes 1960s style.

The set with mics emerging from the stage and street lamps descending from the rafters is the fifth member of the ensemble, truly transporting the audience to the time and period. A fantastic show that the whole family will enjoy.

Booking until 2 January 2022 and also on tour

Photo credit: Mark Senior