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The vagaries of a British summer could do nothing to thwart the pure exuberance of the cast of this remodelled Gershwin and Gershwin foot tapper. Regents Park Open Air Theatre is always a delight but in recent years seldom more delightful than when they put on what has become an annual musical institution. From the very first moment the cast held the audience despite the drizzle. Sean Palmer and Clare Foster are perfectly matched in their roles as the romantic leads. David Burt sparkles as Bela Zangler the impresario in this show within a show musical. Adapted from Crazy Girl and then filled with Gershwin hits this is non-stop entertainment and it is those songs that give the show its real stars, a brilliant chorus and superb choreography. Choreographer Stephen Mears does it again with fabulous footwork and perfectly drilled dancers, the girls about as uniform a set of kickers or you are every likely to see and in contrast the boys a clutch of mismatched blokes. It works to great effect. Mears is inventive, stylish and demanding of his cast, and it pays off in spades.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre, 15 August
Rating:
Andrew Kay

It’s a shame Cannon & Ball have been pigeon holed as an act from a bygone era. Whilst it’s true their comedy does not sit well with the cut, thrust and almost gladiatorial style of modern day stand up, there are double acts on the circuit who owe a lot to the likes of Cannon & Ball and in fact emulate them (see Peacock & Gamble). The act is silly, old fashioned variety style humour which is appealing. And they do it very well as you would expect from a partnership nearing 50 years. Loveable, endearing and yes it was funny!

Worthing Pavilion, 15 August
Rating:
Lee Stevens

The consummate professional, chatty, friendly and with material both personal and topical to the gossip-loving demographic, Alan Carr’s work-in-progress engaged from start to finish, with smiles throughout. He didn’t hide his celebrity lifestyle but neither did he flaunt it, making Alan one of the people with a quick wit but it felt like a slightly neutered tongue. He could be sharp but instead he was lovely, playing with the audience at the front but also poking fun at a lady in the balcony whose sharp yelps suddenly quietened upon closer inspection. The new material worked nicely, with a few zingers, but in the main of a quality one might expect from a Friday night television stalwart. Nothing too dangerous, ticklish but at a honed show ticket price it could be that there were less risks taken than you would find at other preview shows.

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 12 August
Rating:
Victoria Nangle

Never can it be said again that Worthing is a tired, boring place filled with OAPs. I’ve seen the evidence with my own eyes, WORTHING CAN ROCK!!!! Gary Mullen was superb as Freddie Mercury, an impersonation so perfected it defied belief. The band individually flexed their musical muscles and remained tight throughout. As you would expect, the set list was hit after hit after hit. It’s also testament to the music of Queen that the audience was an eclectic mix. By the end of the gig the majority were on their feet, hands raised, clapping in unison. A glorious evening.

Worthing Pavilion, 12 August
Rating:
Lee Stevens