That’s Entertainment at the Waterside Theatre Aylesbury Review
That’s Entertainment
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
26-30 July 2016
Reviewed by Claire Kempster
That’s Entertainment with special guest star Ruthie Henshaw at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was an absolute delight of glitz, glamour and stunning vocals.
That’s Entertainment transported me back to the Saturday afternoon television matinées in the mid/late 80’s. As a child I would curl up on the sofa and watch all of the 1940’s/50’s musicals with my Mum. I am so pleased I decided to take her with me to see this show as we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
The show was a tale of two halves, with what I felt where snippets of An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall’ intertwined with a feast of spectacular full production performances by Loula Geater, Emma Kate Nelson, Simon Schofeild Sean Smith and a very talented ensemble with a stand out performance by Bethany Dows during Luck Be My Lady in Act 2.
Ruthie Henshall gave and warm, friendly and interesting account of her life within the theatre. Coupled with her singing songs from the era that hold a special place in her heart. I loved Ruthie’s performance of ‘All that Jazz’, her vocal let you know you were in the presence of a true star! Although having never had the pleasure of seeing Chicago in the theatre, how I longed for this to have been a full production of the number.
The Cockney Knees Up was by far my favorite act of the show when it came to having a good time, the costumes where really fun and sparkly, the cast and audience really came alive, as the party started with everyone singing and clapping along together. It was brilliant!
Simon Schoufeild’s performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone was spine tinglingly great, once again accompanied by stunning costumes that really helped set the ambiance of the era. In addition to his amazing voice his tap routines with Emma Kate Nelson where a joy to watch, I felt that I was the closest I would ever be to Fred and Ginger!
Loula Geater, encompassed the golden era of Broadway musicals with some beautiful, elegant solo performances. However, I enjoyed her fun and playful side in the I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair act, although I may be slightly bias, as South Pacific is one of my all-time favorite musicals of this golden age.
The only criticism I have of the show would be the separation of Ruthie Henshall and the rest of the cast. Apart from a couple of introductions they really didn’t have anything to do with each other, which I felt was a shame. I feel that one song performed by them all together at the end of the show would have been the cherry on top of a very well iced cake.
If you love musicals, then this show is for you. As a lover of the golden age of musicals I highly recommend That’s Entertainment.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £41.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
That’s Entertainment is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury until 30 July 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UG | 0844 871 7607
