Puttin’ on the Ritz at the Liverpool Empire Review
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Liverpool Empire
6-10 October 2015
Reviewed by Louise Turton
I went to the Liverpool Empire last night to see the performance of ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. The theatre is on Lime street and has ample parking just a short two minute walk away costing £5 for four hours, plenty of time to fit in a show.
Upon leaving the theatre the car parking fee was payable at the hotel next door although there are a few off street free parking spaces available nearby after 6pm.
The Empire was easily accessible through either of the Mersey tunnels (I travelled in from North Wales) and was a charming venue, with friendly helpful staff, the ideal setting for this show.
I can only describe this show as one of the most memorable shows I have had the pleasure in watching. It is truly a delight of a by-gone era, pure escapism and a joy to behold from start to finish.
It is a non-stop singing and dancing masterpiece featuring musical numbers ranging from Cole Porter to George Gershwin, Fred Astaire to Irving Berlin and immediately you are transformed to an evening of infectious glitz and glamour.
The stage is simply set with a set of silver sweeping staircases leading to a platform with a backdrop of coloured stars. This is the perfect balance as it emphasises and shows off the singers and dancers in their constantly changing glamorous costumes to the maximum – I could not help but feel wistful at the wonderful dresses I saw throughout the evening.
The show opens with a Fred Astaire medley and from then on I was gripped. The singers and dancers moved from number to number effortlessly and I was immediately transported back to my childhood when I would sit with my parents and watch with them all the old movies. Every performer gave it their all and I found myself completely caught up in the atmosphere. With musical numbers ranging from the upbeat ‘Steppin’ Out’ to classics such as ‘Let There Be Love’ it was simply sensational. The finale, featuring the cast seated to ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ followed by ‘I Got Rhythm’ is magnificent.
The show also features special guest stars. At this performance it was Strictly Come Dancing stars Robin Windsor and Trent Whiddon and their partners. I have to say the crowd went wild for Robin’s hips but the highlight of the show for me was Ray Quinn. He looked so at home on the stage alongside the other singer’s and dancers, even performing his own tap routine, his rendition of Mr Bojangles was spellbinding.
This is a toe-tapping, musical extravaganza. I found myself wishing it not to end and will still be humming the tunes for many days to come I’m sure. A brilliant, feel good, old fashioned night out for everyone.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £41.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Puttin’ on the Ritz is at the Liverpool Empire until 10 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
