Reviewed by Katy Hart
For anyone looking for an exciting, fun filled evening then head on over to the Bristol Hippodrome and get yourself tickets to ‘The Band’ – I’m sure it will not disappoint.
The Band is a 2017 musical written by Tim Firth, featuring the music of Take That. The band members were selected from the BBC reality talent show ‘Let It Shine’ and it became the fastest-selling musical in history when tickets went on sale.
The story is set in the early 1990’s and the opening scene is in the bedroom of 16-year-old Rachel, a totally obsessed Take That fan whose music and songs are the soundtrack to her life. The band make their first stage appearance as they come to life in her bedroom and are then on stage for almost all of the show even when subtly part of the background. Her four inseparable friends are equally as obsessed with the bands music and are ecstatic when one of the group wins a competition to a live concert in Manchester. That evening they make a pact to be friends forever, however their lives are changed when tragedy strikes and the friends go their separate ways. That is, until 25 years later when the women (in their early 40’s) are reunited and once more try to fulfil their dream of meeting the boyband in another concert.
The show completely encapsulated the fun and excitement of what it was to be a Take That fan and with so many of the bands hit songs included it was almost certainly guaranteed to be as big a hit with the audience. Songs such as A Million Love Songs, Greatest Day, Shine, and Back for Good are among just some of those included. There is plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in and wave their hands (and lit mobile phones) as you become part of the audience in a live concert.
The set has to be one of the most spectacular sets I’ve seen on stage in any production, it was almost on a par with the staging at a live Take That event. One moment you are stood at the school lockers with the band literally bursting out of the lockers, and the next you are in a large arena at a live concert. The most incredible set had to be the airport with the larger than life aeroplane taking off from the stage in front of you.
Every member of the production team from the cast, musicians, creative team and of course the band played their part in making this such a wonderful evening’s entertainment and were all thoroughly deserving of the standing ovation at the end of the performance.
For me, a particular favourite has to be ‘Every Dave’ played by Andy Williams – he added a touch of humour to every scene he was in, and you never quite knew where he’d next appear. My favourite scene had to be the opening act scene of Act 2 with the statue in Prague – beware of the fountain! and of course the dance and sing along at the end of the performance.
There is an inclusion of strong language in the show which may make it unsuitable for younger children.
We had a really fabulous evening and would thoroughly recommend The Band.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £23.40 to £53.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
The Band is at the Bristol Hippodrome from 17-28 April 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/bristol or call the box office on 0844 871 3012.
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ | 0844 871 3012
