Boogie Nights

It would be easy to dismiss “Boogie Nights” as yet another jukebox musical, but there is more to it than that, with a tale of young people’s hopes and dreams, sadness and joy woven through the succession of 70s’ pop hits. As a teenager in the 70s, it really was my era, and hearing all those familiar hits brought to life so vibrantly by this young and enthusiastic cast was a real pleasure.

The very professional set, with band centre-stage, created the nightclub atmosphere well and was easily adapted for other scenes by the most efficient stage crew. The changes were so smooth as to be unnoticeable at times. The sound system was pin-sharp and well balanced so that the enthusiastic band never overwhelmed the singers. Lighting was very effective, adding to the atmosphere, and the picture was completed by the appropriate and colourful costumes, bringing back many memories of the decade that taste forgot!

Nick Williams made the perfect Roddy, a good-looking, confident womaniser who dreams of becoming a rock star. He sang well and exuded real charm ensuring that, despite his failings as a boyfriend, we would all still love him. Katie Hobbs played his on-off girlfriend Debs to perfection. Confident and sassy, always seeing the best in Roddy but not brave enough to tell him she was pregnant - until it was too late. Her scene where she told him of the miscarriage was heart-breaking. She is a strong singer and her numbers, whether solo or with others, were always enjoyable.

Strong support was given by Mason Gilbert as Roddy’s likeable mechanic friend Terry, who never engages his brain before speaking, and Bee Anderson as Debs’ loyal friend Trish – always playing second fiddle and saving herself until she marries Terry. Both are great singers and dancers and maintained their characters perfectly throughout.

Jacob Russell was spot-on with his sensitive and intelligent portrayal of Dean, mate of Roddy and DJ at the club, who proves in the end to be the perfect match for Debs. Daniel Coghlan was suitably gruff and chauvinistic as Spencer, the front man for the nightclub band, eventually revealing a warmer, more human side to his nature, and Becky Backham was beautifully feisty as his down-trodden girlfriend Lorraine, who breaks free from Spencer’s possessiveness and acts as a catalyst for the change in Roddy’s fortunes.

As the only ‘mature’ member of the cast, Kerry Applin was just right as Roddy’s drink and Elvis obsessed father Eamon. Having been brutal to his son during his childhood, he is reluctant to show how much he really loves him, which made their duet together “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” all the more touching – and was beautifully sung by both. There was great support from the ensemble and Joseph Harrington as the Cinema Manager, with strong choral singing and well-executed choreographed movement.

The great seventies sound produced by Perry Ralls’ band, Bee Anderson’s clever direction and Kayla Shepherd’s sharp and inventive choreography – executed so well by this talented cast - ensured that we were all transported back in time and had a great evening. The enthusiastic audience clearly showed its appreciation at the end with a standing ovation, clapping, dancing and joining in with the songs.

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