The 1960’s vibe is immediately strong as soon as you take your seat in the Birmingham Rep’s Main House for new musical, What’s New Pussycat? which received its opening last night. The staging, if not somewhat minimal, transports you back to the swinging 60’s in a cheeky way with two topiary cats sat centre stage.  As the show starts, it is clear that this is going to be an entertaining show with some very familiar songs. 

Based on the Henry Fielding novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, you would be forgiven thinking it is going to be a history lesson but we don’t remember our history lessons being so full of fun and comedy!  The story follows Tom Jones as he leaves the countryside of Somerset to pursue a new life in London away from Mary Western, the love of his life, whose mother is not happy with their relationship due to his working class standing.

The show opens with the title song ‘What’s New Pussycat’ performed by a very strong cast.  Bronte Barbe as Mary Western wows with her vocal range, especially in her rendition of ‘Sometimes We Cry’.  Dominic Andersen arrives on stage as the protagonist, Tom Jones, dressed in jeans and trainers, differing somewhat to the period costuming worn by the ensemble.  He stands out from the start and as the show goes on, his performance and vocals get stronger and stronger.

The storyline is a classic love affair between the two main characters, Tom Jones and Mary Western, with some hilarious consequences at the end of the show and everything ties up very nicely.  The classic Tom Jones songs that we all know and love are intertwined extremely cleverly throughout, giving new meaning to some of the lyrics.

The comedic elements are scattered all the way throughout the show.  ‘Leave Your Hat On’, performed by Lady Bellaston (Kelly Price), a high-class lady about town who struts around in 1960’s power suits, is a complete joy.  You can all imagine how a very handsome Tom Jones ends up at the end of the song! The costumes by Janet Bird are extremely colourful and very true to the 1960’s era, with the monochrome section of the show being a real stand out.

Arlene Phillips’ choreography is extremely tight, sharp and encompasses the 1960’s style of dance very well throughout.  The ensemble cast pull the whole show together to make it a feast for the eyes.

The second act starts with the ‘Green Green Grass of Home’ as Tom Jones finds himself in jail.  The next song takes everyone by surprise and the audience can’t get enough of the hilarious rendition of ‘Delilah’ performed brilliantly by Lemuel Knights.  It is clear people are itching to sing along and everyone gets their chance with this classic!

Mr Partridge, played by Ashley Campbell, and ‘The Girl in the Polka Dot Dress’ played by Rebekah Hinds have such great chemistry on stage, the highlight being their rendition of ‘Help Yourself’.  

Director Luke Sheppard has got himself an absolute first class show here that encompasses all that we love about a jukebox musical, with clever lines working extremely well in the modern day, written by Joe Dipietro.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emma Rowley

What’s New Pussycat? runs at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre until 14 November, with tickets available here.