Dreamboats and Petticoats Derngate Theatre Review
Dreamboats and Petticoats
Derngate Theatre
27 January to 1 February 2014
Reviewed by Natasha Kolb
A visit to the Royal and Derngate theatre complex in Northampton is always a treat for me so I was looking forward to seeing another show there although I admittedly didn’t know much about Dreamboats and Petticoats… I didn’t realise what I was missing!
The Derngate as always was perfect with good cheap parking after 6pm (costs slightly more before that time). The Derngate offers good disabled access throughout and the theatres website gives information on the best disabled parking.
The theatre seems to have undergone somewhat of a makeover since our last visit a year ago so it was even more pleasant this time. It boasts low level modern lighting throughout with plenty of seating. It is worth allowing time prior to the show to make the most of the bars within the complex and beat the rush of the crowds. I particularly enjoyed the frozen yoghurt bar!
We were seated in the stalls firmly in the middle so had the treat of fantastic seats, but the Derngate’s theatre is larger than most local ones you might visit and the lighting, stage and seating throughout seems to allow for a great experience wherever you are seated.
As we waited for the show to start we were treated to a variety of 50’s and 60’s songs which added to an excited atmosphere.
Dreamboats and Petticoats beautifully illustrates the trials and tribulations of a group of teenagers trying to become pop stars at a youth club in 1961. It’s a simple but solid storyline which allows for the music to shine through and be a big part of the show.
The announcement at the start of the show informed us that all the music would be played live on stage and for us, this was absolutely the best thing. A live band made up of the actors at the rear of the stage played perfectly throughout, and were joined by other members of the cast playing instruments such as trombones, saxophones and clarinets as well as others at the front of the stage. These talented performers all sung, danced and played their instruments simultaneously leaving me speechless!
I should at this point mention certain actors but I’d have to name the entire cast! They each had their own part to play and they each delivered them perfectly. It was simply faultless.
The standard of music and songs delivered are the highlight of this show and complimented beautifully by the cleverly designed set and wonderful costumes perfectly depicting the style of the 60’s, I was even fascinated by the range of hairstyles!
Whether you are a child of the 60’s or like me, an 80’s child, I guarantee that you will know and love some of the songs, with a range of over 40 songs which include a stunning performance of Poetry in Motion, Great Pretender and Runaround Sue.
The entire show was truly amazing and a treat throughout, the kind that makes you sit there watching with a smile on your face, so the finale had to be even better… and it didn’t disappoint! To my surprise the incredible songs and performances at the end brought the entire audience to their feet and we couldn’t help but clap and dance along, truly a perfect end to a breath-taking show.
Ticket prices range from £15-£30, and given that this show on my opinion better than some West End Shows that I’ve seen, this makes it very good value for money.
If you love live music, go see this if you are a child of the 60’s, go see this, if you love musicals go see this, if you love fabulous clothing, go see this. Actually, whoever you are GO AND SEE IT! We will certainly be going again!
It gets an easy 5 out of 5 from me.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to book tickets click here.
