Let’s Hang On at the Buxton Opera House Review
Let’s Hang On
Buxton Opera House
15 March 2015
Reviewed by Debbie Lowndes
Frankie Valli is as popular now as it was in his heyday in the 1960’s and we to the Buxton Opera House to see Let’s Hang On, celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Attendance at this tribute act was outstanding. Is couldn’t see a spare seat. Every successful performer and band has a tribute act that follows. Many tribute acts fail to produce top quality performances and just coast long on the originators name. This tribute act does Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons proud – top quality. Never a dull moment.
Founded by Dino Buttarazzi and Martin Peat, Let’s Hang On features a wealth of talent within a very small arrangement who accurately and affectionately recreated the hits (and the lesser known numbers too) back from the days Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Buttarazzi provides an impressive turn on lead guitar as well as supplying resonant basso profondo vocals when required, while Peat is also present on bass guitar as well as offering some fantastic vocals of his own. Buttarazzi and Peat are also responsible for the stunning musical arrangements.
Scott Walker on drums and Joey Roland Akl on keys. Both impress on their respective instruments but also manage to leave their posts over the course of the show to provide additional vocals; Akl particularly impressing with his solo numbers.
Of course, the star of the show is Frankie Valli and here he is embodied in Robin Maughan – an outstanding display of talent, enthusiasm and charm who remains on stage for almost the entire show.
This man has the audience in his pocket almost immediately. His cheerful nature and knowledge are of great asset to the show. His self-assured performance and stunning vocal range captures Valli perfectly and although his accent slips occasionally when speaking, his singing voice and rapport with the audience are flawless.
One special moment of the show appeared halfway through the first act when all five vocalists join forces to recreate “Doo Wop” with an amazing display of tight a cappella harmonies. This perfectly illustrates how talented and vocally well suited the cast are, a fact reinforced throughout the rest of the performance.
All of the big hits were reserved until the end, the first half does dip a little in places. However, after the interval the heat is turned up when the three piece brass section is introduced, offering a more dynamic sound to accompany numbers such as “December ’63 (Oh What a Night)” and the title song from Grease (written by Barry Gibb but originally sung by Valli under the animated title sequence of the movie). They capture each and every moment. They gained audience participation. People were jigging in their seats, singing along and clapping.
These songs are winners to begin with. They performed them with immense talent with a fantastic ensemble. The story was performed by such a talented ensemble the overall result was a tremendously entertaining evening that deserves the standing ovation it received. Oh what a night indeed!
The hosting venue Buxton Opera House was a great setting for this truly enjoyable evening. The lighting, sound and stage setup added to the quality of the production. The venue was very well as signposted and easy to find. Staff at the venue were friendly, efficient and very courteous. Bar areas, refreshments and toilets again well signposted.
After the event the act gather in the entrance for signings. Merchandise was on sell for as anyone wishing to make a purchase.
Don’t just think about going to see this performance. Get yourselves along you not be disappointed! All ages will enjoy it. I was not born when the music was released but I knew some songs, and I had a most enjoyable night.
This is a five star performance.
Rating: 5/5 
Let’s Hang On is currently on tour. For more information or to book tickets visit www.letshangon.co.uk.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN | 0845 127 2190
