Rat Pack Live at the Buxton Opera House Review
Rat Pack Live
Buxton Opera House
10 May 2014
Reviewed by Deborah Girling
My husband and I went to watch the Rat Pack Live at the Buxton Opera House not knowing fully what to expect. We are in our 30s so not of the Rat Pack era but enjoy big band swing music.
The Opera House was easy to find. There are a handful of on street parking spaces (including disabled) right outside the venue but we parked easily a short walk away at the Pavillion Gardens car park. We were pleasantly surprised to find this to be free parking after 6pm!
As with previous visits to Buxton Opera House, the staff were extremely polite, friendly and helpful and were able to direct us to the bar area where we enjoyed pre theatre drinks.
As we took our seats in the Dress Circle, which gave excellent views of the stage, we were excited to see the four-piece band in situ ready for the evening to start. To really get us in the mood, swing music was being played in the background as we waited.
From the first note that was played by the high calibre musicians, I was hooked! All three members of the cast looked and sounded like the originals, combining singing, dancing and a little acting to reveal the remarkable personalities of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. The set was varied, including solos, duos and the trio singing all of the classics including “Aint that a kick in the head”, “Mr Bojangles”, “The Lady is a tramp”, “New York, New York” and “My way”.
The atmosphere in the theatre was buzzing as the audience were encouraged to sing, dance and clap along to their best loved tunes.
We thoroughly enjoyed our night out and would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys big band swing music.
Rating: 5/5 
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN | 0845 127 2190
