Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Cliffs Pavilion Southend Review

Reviewed by Sophie Emberson

Firstly, the Cliffs Pavilion is Southend always does a great job of being the perfect venue to host shows. Staff are most helpful and the place is clean and tidy, parking is relatively simple if it’s your first visit to Southend, the Cliffs does have a small car park round the side and underneath the building but the easiest option is the main car park on the hill or for those a little more energetic, park at the seafront and walk up the steps to take in that lovely Southend sea air.

Now on to the show; Dreamboats and Petticoats.

This musical is set in the 1960’s and shows the audience the flashback story of Bobby Senior (played by Jimmy Johnston) in his teenage years, played out in his father’s youth club.

It’s 1961 and tensions are high between a young Bobby (played by Alastair Higgins) and the gorgeously confident Norman (Alistair Hill) when they set out and compete in a song writing competition but also to win the heart and attention of the gorgeous blonde Sue (Laura Dalton), neither are particularly successful on their own measure.

The story takes the audience on the twist and turns of the teenagers relationships through very well thought out songs, as Bobby starts to realise that Sue isn’t the one and it’s in fact Laura (Elizabeth Carter) that may just be the key to him winning both the national finals but his happiness too.

As we travel through some of the decade of songs from The Bop, Let’s Twist Again, Bobby’s Girl and an impeccable acapella version Poetry in Motion, the show is full to bursting with feel good music that will make you want to dance.

The cast exceed expectations right from the get go, the level of dancing, singing and instrumental talents is second to none that I’ve seen on stage and matches that of a high-end West End performance, beautifully choreographed together.

The main six really stole the show for me, the duet of the title song – Dreamboats and Petticoats, sung by Bobby and Laura was just thrilling, both have the most amazing voices. Norman and Sue, whose rendition of Johnny Kidd and the pirate’s song Shakin All Over left goosebumps, and Ray (David Luke) and Donna (Gracie Johnson) whose relationship blossoms on stage is a delight to watch, but a special shout needs to go to the extremely talented Chloe Edwards-Wood on the saxophone.

The show is not just about the music, comedy plays a role throughout through the chameleon actor Mike Lloyd, who not only plays the grumpy caretaker but a variety of other characters, just adds to the light heartedness of this truly wonderful show.

Overall, Dreamboats and Petticoats can be summed up as a fantastic feel-good show that beckons back to an era of great, get you out of your seat dancing music .

I would whole heartedly recommend if you can get tickets, then go!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £25.50 to £38.50 (booking fees may apply).

Dreamboats and Petticoats is at the Cliffs Pavilion from 29 August to 2 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135