Oklahoma! at the Royal & Derngate Northampton Review
Oklahoma!
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
19-28 February 2015
Reviewed by Rachael Osborne
Oklahoma is described as “refreshing and thrilling as the day it was written, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is the original feel-good musical. From the minute the rugged cowboy Curly steps on to the stage singing Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ we know that all will be right with the world. This colourful production overflows with well-known songs such as I’m Just A Girl Who Cain’t Say No, Surrey With A Fringe On Top, Kansas City, People Will Say We’re In Love and, of course, the rousing title song itself.”
The performance was at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton. There are lots of public parking nearby. So parking near to the theatre was fairly easy. I parked in the multi-story which was easy to park in, and only cost £1. It took a little while to get out but that was to be expected. The theatre was clean, well lit and welcoming. I love going to the theatre and found the atmosphere at the Derngate creates a feeling of excitement. The staff members that we dealt with were very helpful and polite at all times. There were lots of members of staff around to help with any seat queries.
I was very keen to see this as I have never seen this show, although I know a lot of the musical numbers. Oklahoma! is set in 1906, the year before the region was united to form the 46th state of the Union. It’s a story about Curly and Laurey and how they finally get together.
Photo credit Pamela Raith
The performances were outstanding and incredibly well cast. I loved Gary Wilmot as Ali Hakim. His musical number It’s a Scandal! It’s an Outrage! was fabulous. The accents of the entire cast whilst singing and talking were spot on. The choreography was brilliant. I especially loved the Dream Ballet at the end of Act 1, it literally took my breath away and had me hanging on the edge of my seat to see if the dream would come true. Their dance routines were wonderful, toe tapping and thoroughly enjoyable. Ashley Day (Curly) and Charlotte Wakefield (Laurey) were outstanding in the lead roles and both have amazing singing voices. My absolute favourite song has to be I Cain’t Say No sung by Lucy May Barker as Ado Annie. It was fantastic and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
If you have a chance to catch this I suggest you do!
A toe tapping 5/5.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £13 to £35 (plus £2.80 transaction fee).
Oklahoma! is at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton until 28 February 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
