Jersey Boys at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review
Jersey Boys
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
22 September to 3 October 2015
Reviewed by Hilary Whates
The story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed by Des McAnuff
From the very first moment this show is entertainment, entertainment, entertainment all the way. Outstanding performances, the slickest scene changes you will ever see in a touring show and the most brilliant telling of a true story through song and dialogue. What a fantastic evening at the theatre!
The story of four ordinary boys from Jersey – each with troubled backgrounds, and their often difficult and challenging journey through to ultimate stardom and immense success is absolutely riveting and one that I actually also found inspiring. Having recently started a new business I was amazed by the parallels of the highs and lows and struggles to reach a goal. In fact there are so many threads woven into this story which contribute to elevating it far beyond ‘just a musical’. To be so entertaining and deliver such an interesting (and of course true) story is testament to the very talented cast, creative and production teams and the wonderful musicians who also played their hearts out.
in JERSEY BOYS UK tour
Photo credit Helen Maybanks
I confess to shedding a tear when Matt Corner – truly outstanding as Frankie Valli, sang ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ – a very emotional moment and the whole theatre just erupted at the end of it. Matt has just the most wonderful voice and I thought also could easily be mistaken for Tom Cruise!
Sam Ferriday brilliantly played the amazingly talented Bob Gaudio – totally convincing from the first moment and a reminder of what an incredible contribution Gaudio has made to the world of music. I totally loved Lewis Griffiths portrayal of Nick Massi – deep voiced, meaningful and honest – he really was a tour de force in the second half of the play. And that voice…. wow!!
in JERSEY BOYS UK tour
Photo credit Helen Maybanks
I am full of admiration for Henry Davis who as understudy took over the role of Tommy DeVito – the instigator of the band and first person to encourage Frankie Valli to sing. To deliver such an outstanding performance of a key character in the show and do so with such absolutely immaculate timing and dexterity was a joy to see.
Featuring dozens of favourites including ‘Sherry, Oh What A Night, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man and so many more – each one performed amazingly by this incredibly talented touring cast, this show brings the story to life in graphic, at times heart-rending, comical and very powerful terms. With great chorography and a fast flowing pace I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage for one moment – completely riveting. Huge congratulations to everyone involved for providing an outstanding evening of entertainment – exactly what a visit to the theatre is all about!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £23.90 to £60.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Jersey Boys is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury until 3 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
