Theatre

42nd Street Edinburgh Playhouse Review

42nd Street
Edinburgh Playhouse

www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk

6-10 November 2012

Reviewed by Stella Young

'Come and meet those dancing feet!'

Being a big fan of musical shows, I was eagerly looking forward to seeing 42nd Street at Edinburgh Playhouse on 6th November 2012

The Playhouse is an old style 3000 seat theatre I have visited on many occasions.  We had great seats in Row N, which is in the centre of the rear stalls, and had a great view of the stage. From previous trips and being seated right at the top of the balcony, I wouldn't recommend these cheaper seats for the faint hearted!! There are a lot of stairs in the venue, so anybody with mobility issues it might be advisable to phone the Playhouse ahead of choosing seats

There are many bars in the Playhouse, situated on the various floors, we enjoyed a pre-theatre drink in one of them beforehand, where the staff were pleasant and polite

42nd Street is set in the 1930's when the Great Depression occurred.

A successful Broadway director is planning a new show, it is funded by a rich older man, whose love for the leading lady is unrequited, as Dorothy Brock is still harbouring feelings for an old partner. The night before the show opens, Dorothy breaks her ankle and a replacement must be found to take her place. Enter Peggy Sawyer!! A chorus line girl, who is asked to take over the leading role

As the show opened, the curtain rose unveiling the set, it would be quite easy to forget that you are in a theatre in Edinburgh, and instead imagine yourself transported back in time to New York City.

The opening sequence involves many of the cast members performing an energetic tap routine, which is also somewhat comical at points with the moves performed. This is just the first of many wonderful routines, and an array of colourful costumes worn throughout the show.

Very razzle dazzle!!

Marti Webb stood out in her role as Dorothy Brock, with stunning vocals, and she made the character very humorous. Also Jessica Punch as Peggy Sawyer, with perfectly executed tap routines and beautiful singing.

The choreographing of the dance routines was second to none. It must have taken many hours of practice to get them perfected. Every single cast member was an outstanding dancer.

I wasn't aware beforehand that I knew so many of the songs from the show.

But I found myself singing along to old favourites such as Lullaby of Broadway, We're In the Money and Keep Young and Beautiful.

As with most shows, the end seemed to come too soon. After an evening of pure escapism, it was time to dash back to catch the train home. I would definitely recommend this production to friends and family.

To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/42nd-street/edinburgh-playhouse

Show More
Back to top button