An Officer and a Gentleman at The Curve Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by H Whetton

An officer and a Gentleman the musical is based on the smash hit film of the same name. Any one born mid 1970’s will remember the movie, An officer and a Gentleman, with a then very young Richard Gere and Debra Winger, a romantic love story. Along with the iconic song ‘Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong’. I think every woman wanted a man in uniform to sweep them of their feet, away from their mundane life.

An Officer and a Gentleman the musical, is a classic love story, Paula played by Georgia Lennon works in a factory the same as her mum, but dreams of getting out of the small town they live in, just like everyone else. A lot of girls try to get pregnant by officers just to get out of town, but not Paula, she wanted to be a nurse, that was going to be her way out. Their town just happens to be next to a Navy airbase, where Zac Mayo played by Luke Baker, has just arrived hoping to complete his officer training. Unlike most Naval officer cadets Zac has come from nothing, he believes the only person you can trust is yourself, does not believe in love or family!!

Paula and Zac meet in the local bar and for a while during Zac’s training and have a no strings attached friendship. His best friend on base, Sid played by Paul French, on the other hand has fallen for Paula’s best friend Lynette played by Sinead Long. As in all good love stories not all ends well for at least one couple. For those who have never seen the film or play I am leaving the story at that.

The show is full of great 80’s hits, the song list was impressive. The whole cast have tremendous voices. I especially loved ‘It’s a Man’s World’, set in the factory, Esther played by Melanie Masson and Bunny played by Wendi Harriott have incredible voices. Some scenes were very moving, like when Zac was opening up about his life to Paula, the music fitted in really well. I loved ‘Toy Soldiers’, as well as ‘Livin on a Prayer’ for different reasons, living on a prayer for audience participation and Toy soldiers for poignancy. And of course I loved the end scene, with the very synonymous song ‘Love Lift Us Up’.

There were highs and lows for me in the show, I loved the music, I do love having live music at the theatre. The set design was fantastic, it flowed really well and great use of stairs. The costumes were brilliant from the navy uniforms to factory workers. There were just a few moments that just felt a bit discombobulated, too many people’s stories combining in song at the same time.

Overall I really enjoyed the An Officer and a Gentleman musical, I thought that it was a brilliant performance, and great story, so did everyone else there tonight as shown by the standing ovation at the end.

Anyone thinking of attending a performance of An officer and a Gentleman the musical please take note that sexual references are made from the very beginning of the show, and language that some people may take offence to, however it is based in the 1980s in America.

I give An Officer and a Gentleman the musical at the Curve theatre Leicester a 4/5.

https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/an-officer-and-a-gentleman/
An Officer and a Gentleman the musical is on at the Curve theatre from Monday 12th – Saturday 16th August 2024.
Tickets cost between £10.00 and £55.00 with a £2.00 booking fee depending on your seating.
Tickets office 0116 2423595
tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk
Curve theatre, 60 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE11SB.

Rating: 4/5