Puttin’ on the Ritz at the Edinburgh Playhouse Review
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Edinburgh Playhouse
16-20 September 2014
Reviewed by Gemma Gough
Puttin’ on the Ritz has arrived in Edinburgh for a 5 night run at the Playhouse as part of a wider UK tour. Edinburgh Playhouse is a beautiful theatre in the heart of the city centre which is easily reached by public transport. Parking is also readily available although is somewhat pricey.
This show promised to be a celebration of Hollywood’s Golden Age and it certainly was that! An amazing cast of singers and dancers performed lots of well known hits including ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ and ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’. The choreography was brilliant and the set design captured the era almost perfectly. A huge screen was used to display photos and film clips as well as song titles and artists. Unfortunately, this did detract from the set and was a little distracting at times.
Lorna Luft was the special guest star and she received a rapturous welcome from the audience. Her star quality shone through as she performed and shared stories of her mother, the late Judy Garland.
Hats off to the costume designers – lots of beautiful dresses and dapper suits perfectly suited to the glitz and glamour being portrayed. The dancers too deserve a mention, they performed dance after dance flawlessly and enthusiastically with their unbelievably quick hand jive section earning the biggest applause of the night. Another highlight was a captivating performance of ‘Mr Bojangles’ by Paul Hazel, he had the audience eating out of his hand!
Overall, this was a fantastic spectacle and if you fancy being transported to the 1920’s then Puttin’ on the Ritz will not disappoint.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £36.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Puttin’ on the Ritz is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 20 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3014.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18–22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA | 0844 871 3014
