That’s Entertainment at the Regent Theatre Stoke Review

That’s Entertainment
Regent Theatre, Stoke

24-25 June 2016

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

What they say…

From the producers of the sell out smash hit Puttin’ On The Ritz comes a dazzling song and dance extravaganza bringing you a sparkling all singing, all dancing feel-good show featuring Hollywood’s greatest hits including That’s Entertainment, Puttin’ On The Ritz, I Got Rhythm, There is Nothing like a Dame, You’ll Never Walk Alone and more. There is also a right royal knees up with a special tribute to London’s Pearly Kings and Queens. 

With glorious costumes, fabulous dancing and wonderful music, That’s Entertainment will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and will give you the time of your life. 

What I say…

To be perfectly honest I was not sure what I was expecting from the show and it wasn’t that! I though the show would be a series of songs brining the 30s, 40s, 50s, together through a musical medley linking each song to one another. However there was a lot more dancing and that each “song” was individually choreographed with tap and ballroom dancing with the lead singers being actively part of each dance. It was a lovely blend of modern dance with traditional and linked in perfectly with the songs being sung.

I didn’t know all the songs which were being sung which meant that for those I could stop my own singing and listen to the voices and they were amazing. As there were no programmes on sale I am unable to detail each member of the production and pin-point voices/dances over others but to be honest they were all brilliant. At times the loudness of the music meant you were unsure if the singers were singing or miming however on other songs it was quite clear that the voices were unique and the range of all singers were amazing.

We were treated to a rendition of Over the Rainbow by Ruthi Henshall (who was on Britain’s Got Talent) which was beautiful and made you have tingles up your spine! I am in the minority (I am sure) and have not followed reality TV but for me it was amazing to see a beautiful singer have so much passion for the songs she was singing. Ruthie sang in the first half and second half, but if I am honest it is her Over the Rainbow which will stick with me.

All the audience was sat tapping their feet and clapping in time (and some out-of-time) along and all had a smile on their faces. At certain periods of a time a “compo” came onto the stage and broke up sections (including announcing Ruthi Henshaw) but for me, this wasn’t truly needed and the singers would have been able to do this in order to make a seamless transition between songs. Although there was not a big wait between each song there were times when we were left looking at an empty stage, and for me (if I am being picky) could have been quicker or multi-use of the dancewear/clothing.

The dresses of the singers and dancers were amazing with such detail and really linked in to the dress-code of the period and made me want to re-create their look for a party. The staging and use of lighting added to the effect and made you feel like you were part of the stage.

Overall I would give this 3½ out of 5. The songs, choreography, voices and show was brilliant but probably needs a bit of fine tweaking to make it perfect. Even if you are not into “olden music” I am sure there will be a song you have heard and enjoy listening to.

Rating: 3.5/5

For more information, tour dates or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/thats-entertainment

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649