REVIEW: Dreamboats and Petticoats, Kings Theatre, Southsea
With a constant stream of '˜50s and '˜60s hits, what's not to like about Dreamboats and Petticoats?
The answer is the script, and sadly with jukebox musicals, this is almost always the case.
The fantastic songs are pieced together by a vague semblance of a plot which, quite frankly, is dire. The story, that centres on a group of adolescents who frequent an Essex youth club, is predictable and boring in parts. This, however, is no fault of the cast. They deserve far better.
Alistair Higgins shines as leading man Bobby with some fantastic vocals, particularly during Only the Lonely in which he demonstrates his impressive falsetto. Similarly, Elizabeth Carter makes a delightful Laura, with her lovely tone throughout.
The company, that plays all of the music live on stage, is fantastic. The best numbers are those featuring the ensemble; the acapella renditions of Poetry in Motion and Donna, both fronted by David Luke as Ray, are incredible.
Other highlights include Do you Wanna Dance?, Runaround Sue and Da Doo Ron Ron, before a rousing finale has most of the audience on their feet.
Dreamboats and Petticoats may not be a memorable musical but it’s an entertaining night out.
Until Saturday.