Reviewed by Amanda Gazzard
Having watched the hit romantic comedy film The Wedding Singer, with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, back in the 1998 I was ready for a nostalgic lyrical journey and I was not disappointed.
Before the performance began we were treated on the big screen to film previews from back in the day ranging from The Goonies, Weird Science and Rambo to name a few. This definitely time warped you back to a time when mobile phones were the size of house bricks and the internet was only just getting started!
The story is set in 1985 in New Jersey with wannabe wedding singer Robbie Hart (Jon Robyns), who is a huge hit at weddings and is readily looking forward to marrying his fiancée Linda. It all goes wrong for him when Robbie is jilted at the altar. A friendship forms between Robbie and Julia (Cassie Compton) a waitress. There affections grow secretly without them telling each other how they feel, but there is a slight problem Julia is engaged to be married to money obsessed Wall Street tycoon Glen Gulia (Ray Quinn). Will Robbie lose the girl of his dreams forever?
Nick Winston directed this remake and he did not fail to deliver a brilliantly talented cast. The vocals were outstanding from all members of the cast and the comedy went hand in hand with the story.
Jon Robyns took centre stage by storm and clearly proved he was versatile with his acting, vocals and even his guitar playing.
Cassie Compton did not disappoint as her voice was beautiful and soulful.
There always has to be a not so nice character and Ray Quinn portrayed a cocky pretentious character with ease.
Grandma Rosie (Ruth Madoc) provided a comical humour which made her a huge success with the audience and she undoubtedly proved she still has her vocal talents as well as her humour at the age of 74, amazing I know!
Composer Matthew Sklar and lyricist Chad Beguelin treat the audience to a sound of medleys which catapult you in to an eighties reminiscence journey.
Flamboyant George (Samel Holmes) portrays his character so well that you actually think he is Boy George.
From the wedding dresses, which had more ruffles than you could count, to wonderful costumes, transported you back to an era which seemed a lifetime ago. From the moment the performance began to the final number the stage had a presence of energy and fun and the choreography was second to none.
If like me you remember the eighties with great fondness then it’s a memorable trip down memory lane, cringing at the thought of “I once wore clothes like that”, or even if this is the first time you have seen The Wedding Singer you will not be disappointed.
Overall, The Wedding Singer was a witty and vocally talented production from start to finish and I cannot recommend highly enough for you to go and watch it at The Cliffs Pavilion, it’s a must!!
The Cliffs Pavilion has a bar with a great outlook over the sea for pre-drinks and even a reasonably priced restaurant if you wish to have a meal before a performance. All the staffs were very helpful and polite and served with a smile.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £29.50 to £42.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Wedding Singer is at the Cliffs Pavilion from 15-19 August 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
