Fascinating Aida at the Grove Theatre Review
Fascinating Aida
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
Last night I was delighted once again to be a representative on behalf of What's Good to Do and go and watch Fascinating Aida at my local theatre.
As always my guest and I were welcomed by the very friendly reception staff upon arrival when collecting our tickets. I arrived about 15 minutes before the show was about to start and was amazed at how busy the foyer was, it was packed to the brim and there were about 3 separate queues of customers either picking up their already reserved tickets or buying for the evening's show!
Once shown our seats which were situated in the side stalls in a box, we was very pleased with our excellent view of the stage. I noticed straight away there didn't appear to be any empty seats whatsoever, I think the show was sold out. There was a mixture of customers age range but all the other guests in our box appeared to be in their mid-sixties, however when we had the interval and visited the bar I noticed there was also a lot younger audience too.
The stage setting was appropriate, well lit and immediately at the beginning of the show the audience was silent and captured very well the entire evening!
The cast were introduced and each act we were glued to our seats, the laughter and humour I had never seen at the theatre before. The audience were laughing non-stop, we was in stiches the entire evening from start to finish. The show was very well put together, lots of reference to current news within the last week. The songs were so humorous and quite shocking with the foul language used, none of it offended me mind you but I can understand now why 'A Charm Offensive' is referred to in the title of the show. It would appear most of the audience had seen Fascinating Aida perhaps before as nobody seemed shocked at some of the scripts!
The ladies had lovely colourful costumes and changed a few times. I wouldn't know where to start on what was my favourite act or scene there were too many to mention, every act was really funny and the songs all so well put together but think it was Cheap Flights song just too funny! I'm not surprised that one of their recent songs about Ofsted has had almost 200,000 hits on You Tube! The cast from start to finish had the audience transfixed to their seats the entire evening and I can believe they've been together almost 30 years bringing laughter to their tour! The atmosphere the entire evening was amazing!
The finale was the icing on the cake when they sang about Dunstable, they had obviously done their research and brought once again more laughter! I don't think there's no stopping them in how comical they can be, I'm sure any given subject they would be able to create some laughter from the audience.
To sum up the evening it was very rude, outrageous almost the entire evening and cleverly put together (and obviously well-rehearsed) and I would recommended for a great evening out with the girls or whoever you wish to take, partner etc… I wouldn't hesitate in going to see them again. Not sure if they've a DVD out but would definitely buy if I wanted to liven up a dull evening or would make a great gift for friend or relative.
Most definitely 5 out of 5 and great value for money at £20 a ticket, worth every penny for a wonderful evening!
Rating: 5/5 
For more information about shows at the Grove Theatre or to book tickets visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk.
Fascinating Aida is currently touring the UK. For more information on tour dates or to book tickets visit www.fascinatingaida.co.uk.
