42nd Street Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

42nd Street – What a spectacular, sparkly show to arrive at the Theatre Royal Plymouth this week! The ideal tonic after such a wet and windy weekend! This is certainly a lively musical, full of big, dynamic numbers and energy packed from the powerful opening until the glitzy finale. The ideal theatre for such a lavish production, Theatre Royal Plymouth is located centrally in Plymouth with ample parking nearby and easy access.

First staged in 1980 and based on the 1933 Busby Berkeley choreographed masterpiece, this show basically tells the story of Peggy Sawyer – a talented chorus line dancer – who by chance comes into the spotlight when the leading lady Dorothy Brock is injured and can no longer take the lead in their production of Pretty Lady. Director Julian Marsh initially wants to cancel the show but after some persuasion sees potential in Peggy and casts her in the leading role. After much arduous training she nails the songs and dance routines and is able to perform the role with ease on the opening night.

Choreographer Bill Deamer has created some amazing dance routines which are expertly delivered by the outstanding cast. Nicole-Lily Baisden – as Peggy Sawyer – leads this amazing troupe of dancers with sophistication and polish. The tap routines are mesmerising with the beats and rhythms being felt throughout the theatre. Nicole’s tap work is incredible with such clarity and performed with ease, style and dynamic energy. Combined with a tuneful, powerful voice, Nicole was outstanding in the role.

Sam Lips – who played Peggy’s love interest and ardent supporter Billy Lawlor – was amazing with superb tenor vocals and fantastic tap ability.

Samantha Womack played a brilliant Dorothy Brock. She commanded the stage and had a beautiful singing voice. The duet with Peggy of ‘A quarter to Nine’ was really touching as she was seen to give her blessing to Peggy on taking over her role.

Michael Praed played director Julian Marsh with commitment and determination. There were a few slip-ups tonight in his dialogue but these were seamlessly covered up!

Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones and Les Dennis as Bert Barry made a great comedy duo – there renditioning of ‘keep young and beautiful’ was priceless!!

The staging and fantastic lighting effects added so much to the show. The use of backdrops and the subtle but sometimes dramatic lighting added atmosphere to the production. The Shadow Waltz scene was excellent as was the use of giant coins to tap on in ‘We’re in the Money’.

And the costumes! What can I say! The whole show was an endless display of glitz and glamour. How the cast coped with such quick changes into such elaborate costumes is mind blowing! Well done to the back stage crew in assisting to enable this to look so seamless!

This is certainly an evening of feel good escapism!

So ‘ come and meet those dancing feet’ at Theatre Royal Plymouth where a warm welcome always awaits you.

Rating: a definite 5/5!
Tickets from £18 with limited availability
42nd Street is at Theatre Royal Plymouth until 12th August
Tickets and more information from theatreroyal.com.