42nd Street At Theatre Royal, Glasgow Review

Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie

Like a champagne cork pop, the golden fizz sprays out – Just like this show!  To be honest I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect; even after reading the synopsis and knowing that it was raved about; nothing prepared me for this masterpiece unfolding on stage.  Musical comedy is one of my favourite types of shows and this did not disappoint. Choreographed and designed by Bill Deamer and Rob Jones, 42nd Street is a combination of fairy tale, big dreams, romance and dazzling toe tapping dance.

Set in the depression era, revered Broadway director Julian Marsh (Michael Praed) has fallen on hard times both financial and in health, with backing from Dinkie Cars puts on this ambitious musical before retirement. New York chorus dancers all eagerly audition for a part in a show called ‘Pretty Lady’; to work with his lead actress Dorothy Brock (Samantha Womack) torn between two; her ‘sugar daddy’ the wealthy backer, Abner Dillon (Anthony Ofoegbu) and her true love, a penniless actor Pat Denning (Oliver Farnworth).

A young and fresh-faced, small-town girl Peggy Sawyer (Nicole-Lily Baisden) following her dream of becoming a star, arrives late for rehearsals. Luck is on her side when she gets a part in the chorus line as they were short of one girl.
When the star of the show Dorothy Brock has an accident and breaks her ankle, Marsh is defeated and tells the company that its all over, without a famous lead it is hopeless. Not accepting defeat, they say that Peggy can be the lead, she is the best dancer and is a natural. As they say, ‘the show must go on’.

Robert Jones, Set & Costume Designer with Jon Driscoll opened the show with cinema graphic reels of the great depression and easing us into the story line; this was a fantastic way to put the storyline era into perspective. The use of lighting and minimal props we are effectively moved from warehouse rehearsals, backstage areas, dressing room and downtown New York. When the show of Pretty Lady’s opening night, with the use of a see-through screen gives us both sides of the story; what is happening behind the scenes to the spectacular show.

A lot of thought was given to the costumes, even with the pleated shorts worn for rehearsals which at the time were fashionable as ladies began to partake in exercise and sports. The dancing routines had the sequin studded dresses and men in pin striped suits, top hats and bamboo canes.

The live music, with the rhythmic beat of tap-dancing drills deep into your very soul and stirs up a magic only theatre can do. Including the much-loved favourites ‘42nd Street’, ‘We’re in the Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ (this was my favourite) and ‘I only Have Eyes for You’.

A special mention is a must for Nicole-Lily who played Peggy. Her dancing was flawless, lines delivered superbly but her present on stage was magnifying as her whole being became Peggy. She had her character mastered; the small town ‘country-ness’; her naïve and innocence shone out. Her facial expressions were larger than life itself drawing us into what she was feeling, from young and innocent, to a dancer who outshone her counterparts and to her being dejected after she was fired. She shone brighter than any sequined outfit!

For Ages 8 years and above.

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Monday 21st August 2023 until Saturday 26th August 2023

For more information or to book tickets please visit 42nd Street Tickets | Theatre Royal Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets