Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Liverpool Empire Review

Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison

Following on from the massive success of the Dreamboats and Petticoats albums this musical seeks to tell a story set to the fantastic soundtrack of the multimillion selling albums. And what a wonderful story it is. Set in 1961 we meet Bobby a young man hoping to win the national youth club song writing competition and learning a few things about love along the way.

We watch Bobby, played by Alistair Higgins, compete with cool guy Norman for the attentions of the highly attractive Sue. All the time oblivious to the true feelings of his best friend Ray’s younger sister Laura, played by Elizabeth Carter. However, when Bobby and Laura join forces to enter the songwriting competition Bobby begins to realise maybe having the most glamourous girl isn’t everything. There’s also lots of funny moments throughout the show with the majority of the laughs being provided by Bobby’s Dad Phil played by Jimmy Johnston. Whilst the story alone is good it is brought to life by the brilliant music, all played and sung live by the wonderfully talented cast, particular mention must go to Chloe Edwards-Wood whose amazing performances on the saxophone were mesmerising. Classic songs such as, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Teenager In Love and Great Pretender had the audience singing their hearts out. The crowning glory of the show however, has to be the final few numbers that had a packed Liverpool Empire on their feet dancing along to Let’s Twist Again, C’mon Everybody and Hey Baby.

The audience at The Empire on Monday night was a real mixed bag of ages from people who remembered the songs from their own youth, singing along down to children tapping their toes, possibly being introduced to these time honoured songs for the first time, with every age in between. If the standing ovation the cast received is anything to go by I think it’s safe to say everyone, no matter what their age, enjoyed this wonderful, funny, feel good show.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 to £40.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Dreamboats and Petticoats is at the Liverpool Empire from 31 July to 5 August 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.

Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017