The Glenn Miller Story at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review
The Glenn Miller Story
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
25-29 October 2016
Reviewed by Emma Stubbs
I played in swing bands all the way through school and university, so the chance to see The Glenn Miller Story was just too good to pass up. The cast is headed up by Tommy Steele, who at 79 years of age is almost twice the age of Miller at the time of his disappearance. That is perhaps the biggest detractor in the show, as he’s not as nimble on his feet as he once was, and the budding relationship with Miller’s wife Helen, played well tonight by understudy Jessica Ellen, is a little strange to watch. You need to suspend a lot of belief to see an almost octogenarian big band leader wooing a woman over half a century younger than him, and it does tend to pull you out of the story a little bit. It’s a minor niggle, though, as the former rocker still has a fair bit of clout in his voice, and it’s clear that he’s from a previous generation of entertainer, as his mannerisms and stage presence had the audience excited from the first moment he stepped on stage.
The show itself is a little light on story, just lightly touching on the important moments in Miller’s life before swinging on to a new bit of music. The blurb for the show reads “It’s been seventy years since Glenn Miller vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. Did he crash? Was he shot down? Will the mystery ever be solved?” but don’t expect to come away with anything approaching an answer. The show doesn’t offer up any possible explanation for his disappearance, and the story ends as he boards the plane. Nevertheless, it’s an entertaining watch, and if you’re a fan of Big Band music, it’s well worth a trip out.
The band themselves were excellent, belting out hit after hit with aplomb, and if anybody in that audience didn’t find their feet tapping throughout, then there must be something wrong with their souls! The cast is relatively small, most of the speaking parts being swallowed up by the orchestra at the end, but they acquitted themselves splendidly. The dancers in particular were a joy to watch, and performed well despite being a member down in this opening night.
The Alhambra, as always, is a pleasure to visit as well. The surroundings always seem to accentuate any performance, and the staff are always warm and welcoming. There’s ample parking in the vicinity, with two multi story car parks within walking distance, and in the evenings, the Jacob’s Well car park offers an excellent cheaper alternative.
From beginning to end the show is pure musical entertainment, and makes for a great night out. Tommy Steele did an admirable job and is clearly well loved, but it’s hard not to imagine how the show would look with a younger lead.
Rating: 3/5
Tickets cost from £16.50 to £43.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Glenn Miller Story is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until 29 October 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000
