A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT

This is a great feel-good musical, evoking memories of a normal Saturday night for those of us old enough to remember the 60’s. A night spent in a club, drinking, smoking and trying to make connections with members of the opposite sex.  ‘Slice’ encompasses all this, and manages to give us both funny and poignant scenarios.

This version was very nicely acted out by an ensemble of eight actors, well directed and with good attention to detail in the musical numbers.  The band was very in tune with the performers, and I loved the various feels to the numbers.  Having the band on stage helped the feel of the club atmosphere.

I liked the set, it made good use of the stage, which was of necessity smaller than usual to accommodate the band.  The upper level for the washrooms was good, as it meant we could see all that went on, and there were some very funny scenes, particularly on the gents side.  I loved the scene where the lads were throwing up – very good!

The choreography was a little limited because of stage space, but everyone seemed to be enjoying what they did, nothing was too complicated and it all worked well.

Lighting enhanced the set, and gave us a good impression of a 1960’s club, I particularly liked the lighting effect at the end of Eric’s Club A Go-Go number.

Sound was good throughout, I think perhaps because the band was on stage it was marginally easier to regulate, but it all worked very well.

Costumes were all very suitable, it made a change to see Eric in DJ - I liked the flashes of red and red shoes, it lifted it nicely.

The actors all gave us different characters, but I think the one who stood out for me was Alex Wheeler as the nerdy Rick – he was able to bring his particular type of comedy interpretation to the part, whilst singing some lovely numbers very well.

I liked Rick’s relationship with Sharon (Kirsty Day), who also sang her heart out and gave us a good portrayal of the shy newcomer.  There were some lovely moments between them.  A really good couple.

Eric de Vene (Mick Hale) showed his ‘rubber legs’ off very nicely, and I liked his portrayal, not too sleazy, showing his devil-may-care attitude, but also glimpses of his more caring side.  This type of character suits Mick well, and he always gives his all to a part.

Bridget (Anna Woods) was a little too refined for me, and I didn’t always get the slightly ‘nose in the air’ side of the character, however she sang really well.

Sue (Heather Rouse) as Gary’s girlfriend created a good all round character, and I liked her rendition of Twiggy, well-delivered and amusing.

Penny (Jo Herd) was very upfront and 60’s, nicely done.  I also liked the flower power number which Jo performed with Laurence.

Laurence Simms was a very upfront Gary, with a bit of swagger, but also a slight pulling back when he needed to win back Sue – I thought it was a good portrayal overall.

Josh Thompson completed the boys line-up as Eddie. I liked his take on the character, plenty of depth.  Poor Eddie got more than his fair share of slaps, which was very funny.  His insecurity showed, making him a lovable character.

Certain musical numbers stood out for me – Twiggy, The Long Walk Back and Sentimental Eyes, to name but three!

I thoroughly enjoyed the production, there were some laugh out loud moments, and also a few thoughtful and moving times.  Well done to everyone involved, a great evening’s entertainment.

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