Review: DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS, The Alexandra Birmingham - UK tour

Photo credit: Jack Merriman

It is the feel-good musical that will have you dancing in the aisles, but if you are looking for a strong plot then you might be a little disappointed.

There is no doubt that Dreamboats & Petticoats has many wonderful elements, however it is very much based around the 50’s and 60’s back catalogue of popular tunes that were clearly decided on before the plot itself.  This musical was first performed back in 2009 so there have been many reincarnations since then, including a sequel tour of Dreamboats and Miniskirts.  This tour features Mark Wynter, very much a star of the 60’s.  Wynter plays entertainment Agent Larry and we are treated to some of his most famous hits including ‘Venus in Blue Jeans’ in the second act.

The story starts with an older Bobby (David Benson) talking to his granddaughter about the good old days whilst rummaging around the attic of his house when they come across a cassette player……the younger of you, Besties, may need a bit of help with what a cassette player is but think of an iPod and you’re nearly there!  

We are then transported to St Mungo’s Youth Club and meet Norman (Alastair Hill) with his band ‘The Conquests’ who give us a fantastic opening number of ‘C’mon Everybody’.  One thing to say is that all the actors on stage playing instruments are playing completely live and really do make this musical a success for any fan of this era.  Special mention to Alan Howell on guitar who has the most amazing voice and led many of the songs throughout the show.

The story centres around Laura (Elizabeth Carter) and Bobby (David Ribi) who are a couple both working in the entertainment industry.  Laura is the more successful of the two working with Mike & Bernie Winters on their TV show, and Frankie Howerd during a summer season in Torquay.  Bobby suffers with stage fright and has not quite mastered being front and centre, so hides in the band behind front man Norman who clearly needs no help in being the centre of attention.  Bobby and Laura go on to perform together after Bobby finally overcomes his stage fright and qualifies to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest.  The heats for the Eurovision Song Contest are compered by a very funny Kenneth Williams (David Benson) who gives a convincing performance of the Carry On legend interacting with the audience with many double-entendres thrown in for good measure.

There are no less than 40 songs in this musical so the spoken scenes are quite brief and sometimes feel a bit rushed to make sure the right song is slotted in.  With the dialogue in some scenes, you can certainly pre-empt the song that is coming up especially when Bobby and Laura are to be split up for the summer due to her impending summer season……cue ‘Sealed with a Kiss’ which starts “Tho we gotta say goodbye for the summer….”.  There are plenty of these moments scattered throughout the show so by the end, the audience are already giggling knowing which song is up next.

Directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, Dreamboats & Petticoats still appeals to a certain demographic and the nostalgia felt throughout the theatre is lovely to see.  Many people chose to sing along, however it seemed alright and as if that is what should happen with this jukebox musical that churns out hit after hit.  The lighting by Nick Richards is bright, colourful and jumps around during various numbers generating that party atmosphere.  The set, designed by Sean Cavanagh, mainly centres around St Mungo’s Youth Club and Butlin’s holiday park where ‘The Conquests’ spend their summer performing for the happy campers.

David Ribi as Bobby gives a polished performance and his voice really complements the songs he performs.  Elizabeth Carter as Laura also has a standout voice that works so well with the 50’s and 60’s hits she performs throughout.  The whole cast works extremely hard to ensure we have a great night out and they certainly do bring the good times back.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Rowley

Dreamboats & Petticoats plays at The Alexandra, Birmingham until 26 March, with tickets available for Birmingham and other select touring venues here.