Theatre Review: Boogie Nights
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the August 2018 Stage Experience Amateur Production of Boogie Nights at the Alexandra Theatre*
Its kitsch. It’s cheesy. It’s a glitterball extravaganza. And it’s the 70s. When music was good and fashion was bad. This is Boogie Nights.
And this is no normal touring show passing through Birmingham. This is the Alexandra Theatre’s annual Stage Experience, an opportunity for local young performers to showcase their talents, working alongside a professional production team to put on a full-scale performance. And this year’s choice is the toe-tapping, finger-pointing, shoulder-shimmying jukebox musical of 70s Disco Hits “Boogie Nights”.
Auditions were held in May, rehearsals started on 10th August and tonight we were treated to a Press Gala on the second night of this limited 5 show run. Yes folks, you only have another two days to catch the stars of tomorrow in this fab show!
With a cast of over one hundred young people from the West Midlands and just two weeks to bring the production together, the result is astonishingly good. The Stage Experience is open to anyone between ages 9-24 able to commit two weeks of their summer holiday to developing their skills – either on stage or in a more technical or creative role backstage – and creating a top-notch professional performance. For some it is a fun summer activity. For others there is the hope that this will lead to a career in the arts in future. Brummie comedian Joe Lycett is one Stage Experience alumni whose name you may recognise. As is our waiter from local chicken joint Bonehead (who you may not be so familiar with).
Tonight’s show starts with a standing ovation before we’ve even begun. Cast members pour down the aisles in their glittery droves, encouraging the audience to their feet. Dancing and clapping is positively encouraged. It’s a great way to involve the audience from the start.
We start with a wedding, and pass through five years in the life of Roddy (Elliot Gooch) and Debs (Isabella Kibble). A whirlwind of 70s hits accompanies the narrative. They come so thick and fast they often segue into a medley.
Young love, parental relationships, domestic violence and teen pregnancy are all explored to a disco soundtrack. A lovelorn duo belt out the iconic Streisand/Summer duet No More Tears (Enough is Enough). A cast of builders, firemen, cowboys and sailors treat us to an enthusiastic YMCA.
Melissa Huband is the perfect quirky sidekick as Trish. Roddy’s dad Eamon (Liam Huband} provides both comedy and poignant moments as he copes with the grief of losing his wife, Elvis, and his deteriorating relationship with his son.
But we’re never far from a lighthearted moment. The show culminates with an ensemble disco medley which once again has the audience on its feet. Congratulations to everyone involved that pulled together such a wonderful feel-good show. Stage Experience is a great opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow performing on a local stage
To keep up to date with the latest news from the Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience and find out how you can audition for next year’s production, visit: facebook.com/stageexperiencebirmingham
**All Press Photos used with permission of the The Alexandra Theatre
What a brilliant thing for the budding stars of tomorrow to be involved with. The show sounds brilliant!
Rachael | https://rachaelstray.com/
It was just as good as some of the pro shows I’ve seen, can’t believe it was put together in just 2 weeks!