42nd Street

I love the concept of a show within a show: it offers the audience a behind-the-scenes look into the world of showbiz, proving the glamour and sparkle we see on show isn’t often the case backstage. Set in 1933 New York during the Great Depression, ’42nd Street’ combined stunning choreography, a large number of set designs and costume changes to fabulous effect. The ‘Shadow Waltz’ used lighting to create a striking number that proves you don’t need the larger theatres in order to make an impact. Marti Webb as Dorothy stole the show with her solo number ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’; Dave Willett as Julian Marsh charmed us the whole way through, and Jessica Punch as Peggy was perfectly cast for her comedy timing. She was the small fish in a big pond, an innocent girl who dared to dream big, and pulled it off. I was certainly rooting for her. While other characters’ American accents dipped in and out on occasion, the dancing and timing of the entire ensemble for the finale was spot on. A strong cast and a great show.

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 4 September 2012

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