Be Our Guest! Again
A singing and dancing musical spectacular, the Eastbourne stagers performed some of the world’s most famous musical numbers from the ’60s to the present day, featuring Hairspray, The Lion King, West Side Story and Oliver!
Video clips were used to introduce each decade’s key elements, with a particular emphasis on how this shaped theatre. There was little plot, however the general liveliness and occasional comedic moments steered the show back on course. My main criticism would be that certain actors had powerful singing voices, whilst others less so, although in all a colourful representation utilising the best of local talent.
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 11 September 2012
Rating: 
David Tabor
I watched this last night and it looked polished and very very watchable, the above review mentions peoples different singing ability, and this only adds to the enjoyment and the variety of this well put together amateur show and what it represents, and variety is the key word for this show of musical medleys, their is no lack of plot, because it doesn’t need one! Had there been a story in place it would have been very perculiar with the different styles of music and dance and would have had to involve time travel, maybe a ‘doctor who meets the west end’ through the decades. But in all seriousness it is a musical medley show and delivers on local talent that in some cases would not look out of place in the west end!
How they manage to get so many moving to the coreography at the same time is beyond me.
Well done Eastbourne stagers, I will be watching again saturday matinee and this time I will be bring my grand children!
I would give you a 4* overall rating!
Kind regards
Margaret Shaw
I thank you for your above thoughts and comment. I would only wish to clarify that I did absolutely enjoy the show and variety that can not only rival but possibly teach the West End something new.
All my original point inferred, was that perhaps several stories can be intertwined and overlap; much as was shown in Love Actually. Granted the individual plots relate on similar subjects, though I am a fan of fluidity and creative movements where anything is possible. Of course high risk, but if done carefully also high reward.
It was a highly enjoyable evening and I recommend others go too! With that said; however, I rarely if ever present four or five star ratings due to stringent marking criteria. I tend to, where possible, try and remain as professional, unbiased and transparent as I can.
This means I rarely praise all or rip all. Instead, I am an advocate of and acknowledge there will be powerfully good and less so points regarding each show in general. Discussion like this is vital and hopefully will help form a rounded overall viewpoint.
At the end of the day, the “best” review is a personal one and this means only an individual that has had the experience can answer whether it suits them specifically. So go along when next on and form an opinion for yourself 🙂