The Wedding Singer

It was back to the 1980’s for AMTC’s 2022 production of The Wedding Singer, and back to the Palace Theatre for the group, who like many others are just emerging from the Covid-enforced hiatus that we’ve all had to endure.  But enough about the pandemic, this was a night focused on fun and enjoyment, and the large cast delivered that in spades. 

The Wedding Singer has a pretty straightforward story.  When wedding singer Robbie Hart spies waitress Julia in the first five minutes of the show, and their eyes meet across the room, I thought ‘I know where this is going!’  Sure enough, two hours later Robbie (having been jilted at the altar by fiancé Linda) and Julia (finally realising that her oafish boyfriend is a bad ‘un) are getting together in an LA wedding chapel for their happily ever after (with a little help from Robbie’s bandmates and Julia’s BFF Holly.)  That’s pretty much it plot-wise, but the retro ‘80s setting and musical references added further layers of interest.

As the titular wedding singer, Jamie Glenn as Robbie (sporting a realistically ’80s tight perm!) had a voice that was well suited to the style of music, and opened the show confidently and convincingly.  Sarah Roberts as Julia had a lovely strong voice and natural acting style, and noticeably grew in confidence as the show went on. Together, the two of them had a realistic stage chemistry, and anchored the show effectively.  As Jamie’s bandmates Sammy and George, Jeremy Dobbins managed to make a rather boorish character likeable, and Ben Butterworth showed great stage presence as a character with more than a touch of extravagance! 

Millie Coles was very good as Holly, Julia’s sassy friend and confidante, particularly standing out in a couple of solo numbers.  Michael Treagust grew into the role of Julia’s banker boyfriend (another very 80s element!) as the play progressed – initially coming across as a nice-ish guy before being revealed as a suitably unpleasant fool.  Rachel Philpott made the most of her couple of opportunities as Linda, Robbie’s ex-fiancé whose return almost throws a spanner in the works.  Completing the main cast, Lynda Gill and Hayley Wills provided sterling support as Rosie (Robbie’s grandmother) and Angie (Julia’s mother) respectively.

Supporting the principals admirably was a large chorus of 35, some of whom also danced and played ‘character roles’, pitching in the odd line here or there.  The sheer number of people crammed on stage for the various wedding scenes certainly helped to evoke the atmosphere of a reception, although at times I felt that the choreographed dances were rather lost in the mass of people.  The actors also did a great job of synchronising the playing of their instruments with the band – and even on the one occasion it didn’t quite work they styled it out most effectively!

Director Bev Hatton kept everything moving along nicely – no mean feat given the number of actors to juggle!  Naomi Beckford provided some good choreography, ably performed by a group of seven dancers from the ensemble, and sometimes the whole company.  I did spot a little bit of reticence to fully commit to the dance moves from time to time – I’d encourage everyone on stage during a dance number to really go for it!  Finally, a very lively, ten-strong band was well marshalled by Musical Director Phil Radden, doing well to encompass a wide variety of 80s styles.

This is a show in which the efforts of the costume, hair and make up teams really came to the fore.  We had the full gamut of 80s clothing styles and hair styles – from shoulder pads and leg warmers to mullets and perms – all very nicely executed.  The little array of LA celebrity lookalikes was particularly enjoyable!  The show was well staged, utilising a raised platform – ideal for ‘band’ performances – at the rear and a largely open space in front.  The odd piece of scenery was brought on from time to time, such as Robbie’s front door and a convincing looking US-style dumpster!  In this context, I felt that the LA wedding chapel scenery was a little underwhelming.  But it was all moved about very effectively by the backstage team.

A huge well done to the entire cast and backstage crew, who delivered a great introduction to this musical (I’ve never even seen the film!) with a very entertaining performance.  Thanks for the warm welcome, and I hope to see you again in 2023!

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