On Tuesday, I stepped into a time machine and was transported back to the early sixties – when Rock n Roll was at the top of the charts and petticoats were the ultimate fashion statement.
I attended the viewing of the third chapter of the smash-hit musical, Dreamboats & Petticoats, Bringing on back the good times, at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, and I indeed was rocking around the clock.
The feel-good jukebox musical is set in 1961 and follows the story of a band of teen rockers known as The Conquests, who hang around at a youth club, and follow their dreams to become professional musicians at Butlin’s.
As I took to my seat in seat number 35, the curtains drew, and a retro radio player was at the front and centre of the stage.
The audience and I were soon blasted back in time to a Rock n Roll paradise, with characters appearing on stage wearing patterned waistcoats, voluminous dresses, and white go-go boots.
The leading roles, belonging to young lovers Bobby and Laura, were played by Jacob Fowler and understudy Chloe-Edwards Wood - both stars showcased their undeniable theatrical talents throughout the performance.
60s hit parade legend, Mark Wynter returned to the stage as Laura’s manager, Larry, and sang his very own top singles in the 1960s, Venus in Blue Jeans and Go Away Little Girl – it goes without saying that Mark was the crowd favourite of the night.
Classic hits blasted throughout the performance, including Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison, Stop! In the Name of Love by The Supremes, I Can’t Help Myself by Four Tops and, of course, Love Affair’s hit, Bringing on Back the Good Times.
During the interval, my friend and I discussed the incredible voices belonging to each cast member – Norman, Sue, Donna and Ray, the best friends to the leading roles, were equally fabulous with their own unique styles of singing.
The second half of the show was jam-packed with more hits from the sixties, and I soon noticed members of the audience bopping their heads and twisting their shoulders to the sound of each beat.
The show had many moments that stood out, such as Norman the ‘bad boy’ of the group, who was cheeky yet hilarious, and when the band put down their musical instruments and join the rest of the cast on centre stage to perform acapella – this was a particular captivating moment for me.
I digress, David Benson as Kenneth Williams may have stolen the show with his witty jokes and bizarre facial expressions during a final scene – the laughter from the audience quite literally echoed throughout the theatre.
Inevitably, a happy ending was on the horizon for Bobby and Laura, as they collaborated their musical talents and entered the Eurovision Song Contest as a duo – with The Conquests cheering the love birds on from a distance.
Soon enough, the audience were singing, dancing, and cheering to Is This The Way to Amarillo by Tonie Christie, eventually turning to a standing ovation for the well-deserved cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats.
There was nothing I wanted more than a happy-go-lucky theatre show, and Dreamboats and Petticoats was the perfect fit.
The show is a timeless classic, full of great energy and bursting with fun for all ages.
I would see it all over again in a heartbeat.
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