The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer is a fun, nostalgic visit to the 1980s.  Based on the 1998 film of the same name, the stage version of this show was first produced in 2006.  The show tells the story of ‘unlucky in love’ wedding singer, Robbie Hart and his blossoming romance with the waitress Julia Sullivan.  

The show started with a lively opening, which set the scene.  The costumes took us straight back to the 1980s and the music filled the theatre, successfully drawing the audience into the era.  The lighting was bright and appropriate.  The set was minimal but effective in creating the scene of a wedding reception.  

The characters were led by Gareth McMurdo as Robbie and Amber Harris as Julia.  These two actors worked together very effectively.  They both delivered a collection of songs, very well and successfully led the audience through the story.  Robbie’s bandmates Sammy (Jay Pearce) and George (Brian Morgan-Worley) offered numerous funny moments throughout.  Sammy’s energy could not help but make me smile while George’s ‘cool’ persona added a lovely contrast to the pairing.  Glen, Julia’s arrogant, self-assured boyfriend played by Adam Bowen, provided a good contrast to the more vulnerable character of Robbie.  This allowed the audience to enjoy the journey at the end of which the ‘good guy’ won the girl.  Well done, Adam.

Holly (Jasmine Anderson) and Linda (Megan Gant) both added to the fun and enjoyment of the production.  They both performed full dance routines with skill and enthusiasm, while supporting the main characters within the story.  While only young herself, Emma Coates played the part of the elderly Rosie.  A lovely performance with some very funny lines delivered well.

The script for this production is very amusing and the dialogue was delivered by many members of the cast including the drunk best man and the fake celebrities, very funny!  The chorus supported the actors and added to the crowd scenes effectively.

The songs were all accompanied by a live band.  A pleasure to see and hear.  The use of projection on the back of the stage and the gorgeous, sparkly curtain was very successful in creating the appropriate setting for many scenes. The garbage bin and the vibrating bed both worked very well, the bed raising laughter throughout the audience.

A mention must go to the BSL interpreter that was on stage throughout the show.  An excellent addition to the performance.

In conclusion I believe this show demonstrated a ‘team’ effort that was well received by the audience, who did not fail to show their appreciation of the production. The Director, Kristen Roach describes this production as having its challenges while also being an incredible experience and the Musical Director, Emma Edmunds expressed the pleasure it has been to take on this role.  It was obvious the cast enjoyed performing and supported each other beautifully.  Thank you to Newtown Musical Theatre Company for inviting me to their production of The Wedding Singer.  It was lovely to meet such a friendly and supportive group. Congratulations to all involved both on stage and behind the scenes.   

This views in this report are solely the opinion of the writer.

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