WHEN it’s raining, as it often is, the last thing I want to do is laugh. But for rock ‘n’ roll legend Neil Sedaka, the pitter patter of rain drops is an opportunity to go outside and enjoy a good giggle.
Which probably explains why the Brooklyn singer always looks so damn happy.
The Churchill theatre’s brand spanking new show, which enjoyed its world premiere at the Bromley venue yesterday, tells the story of the smiley crooner’s rise, fall and rise again, from the 1950s through to the 1970s.
Despite a promising future as a classical pianist, all the teenage Sedaka dreams of is becoming a rock ‘n’ roll star.
With just a quick tinkle on the ivory keys and a flash of his pearly whites, Sedaka (a fresh-faced Wayne Smith) and his lyricist Howard Greenfield (a suitably awkward-looking Edward Handoll) are handed a recording contract with Aldon Music.
Next thing you know, our hero is storming the charts with hits including Calendar Girl and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.
But what goes up, must come down. Although Sedaka's descent isn't exactly meteoric.
With the arrival of The Beatles, the fickle finger of fame suddenly points away from our hero, forcing him to go back to writing hits for other pop stars such as Tony Christie, who shot to fame with Sedaka’s much covered Amarillo.
Fortunately and conveniently, Elton John is the superstar’s number one fan.
Reduced to a nervous wreck upon meeting the now ‘struggling’ Sedaka (the Beverly Hills Hotel won’t even give him a table), Elton steps in to save his idol by signing him to his own label Rocket Records.
Finally Neil is back in the limelight where he belongs laughing in torrential storms and playing the safe, mum-friendly music he loves.
If you’re looking for gritty realism and subversive rock music, Laughter In The Rain will disappoint on all levels.
But for fans of Sedaka’s infectiously good-natured pop songs, the show will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and standing to your feet in rapturous applause.
An incredible 40 hits are shoehorned into an exhausting three hours (including interval) and although the musical's characters are as insubstantial and fluffy as a pink iced cup cake, the production is as slick and smooth as Sedaka’s voice.
The opening night was surprisingly polished and a finale featuring a one-off performance from the great man himself was a showstopping delight.
Newcomers to Sedaka’s music may not necessarily pick up on all the cheeky references in the bright and breezy script, but there is enough sunny optimism and fun in the show to make even the chilliest of nights seem like a summer’s day.
Laughter In The Rain. The Churchill, High Street, Bromley. Until March 13. 0844 871 7620 or visit ambassadortickets.com/bromley
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