Blonde Bombshells Of 1943 At Theatre By The Lake, Keswick Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

A musical play by Alan Planter , the show is played in the round which is a format I always enjoy being so close to actors made me feel much more involved in everything and gives a full view of all the action.
The opening set is a very with a large bomb crater in the middle of the room, a big visual reminder of the era of the show.  Although they put some planks across it the characters had to avoid falling into it throughout the first act. All the costume were off the era so not very elaborate or colourful, until the final scene when they all change into the ‘blonde bombshell” outfits.

Betty the bandleader is auditioning for four new members of the band, as she loses members every time they play at a GI camp.  There was no time to lose as they have a very important job for the BBC radio that evening. She quickly recruits an innocent schoolgirl and equally innocent nun then a posh southern girl from the army who’s defiantly had a past.  All they need now is drummer the only person that shows up for the audition is a man. The group is known as the most glamorous all girl band in the north but he didn’t mind putting on a dress if it meant he could continue to dodge national service.  Not all the band members were happy about him but they had to have a band together for that evenings important show.

Rehearsals started and I was in awe of the great multi talented people we had in this show.  They were all good actors who could deliver a comedic line good musicians and great singers.  The harmonies were beautiful.
After the interval we return to find an unexplored bomb in the middle of the stage.  Luckily as they now have someone with military expertise in the band this was deactivated very casually.

What a brilliant evening of entertainment, a good story littered with northern comedy, some real toe tapping swing music featuring classics from amongst others Glen Miller and the Andrews Sisters.  What started out a bit grey and dismal ended in a lively colourful show of great music and great songs.  It brought a smile to my face and I left the theatre feeling very uplifted.

This is a joint production between Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Octagon theatre Bolton.
So much talent I hate to single anyone out but I have to mention Stacey Ghent who played Miranda she had some of the best lines and the best moves.

Showing at Theatre by the Lake 5th – 29th July, the show starts at 7.30 with 2pm matinees on selected dates.  It runs for 2 hours 30 min including an interval and is suitable for ages 12 and up.

Tickets are available from theatrebythelake.com priced from £10 to £44 and there are £10 tickets available for under 16 and students under 26.

Rating: 5/5