Save the Last Dance for Me

Any show that brings an Eastbourne audience to its feet whooping, clapping and hollering for more has to be special and Save The Last Dance for Me has that musical magic. Okay, the plot’s as fluffy as candyfloss and the sentiments sweeter than a toffee apple but with songs like this, who cares?

A string of solid hits from the songwriting duo Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman – with Leiber & Stoller, Phil Spector et al thrown in for good measure – come on faster than the rhythm of the falling rain on Lowestoft seafront: Viva Las Vegas, A Teenager in Love, Then He Kissed Me, Please Mr Postman and over 20 more, all conjuring up the romance and nostalgia of the 1960s.

There were excellent performances by the 17-strong cast, many providing an instrumental wall of sound on stage as well as belting out the numbers. But special mention must go to Wayne Robinson’s Curtis, the handsome, romantic lead. When he launched into (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame, it was as if Elvis had entered the building right down to the seductive smile, the swivelling hips and the unmistakeable voice, which made millions of teenage girls go weak at the knees. And half the audience at the Congress.

This is a knickerbocker glory of a musical – dive in and enjoy!

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 27 September 2016
Rating:
Jean Clark