The Sensational 60s Experience
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
Reviewed by Patricia Shaw
This evening a packed auditorium welcomed four hit artistes from the 60s to the stage at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable. Our humorous host for the evening, Alan Mosca (from Freddie and the Dreamers) warmed up the audience before introducing Steve Ellis’ Love Affair who played songs such as Everlasting Love and Bringing On Back The Good Times. Herman’s Hermits then took to the stage performing No Milk Today, I’m Henry The 8th and Silhouettes amongst others. After a 20 minute interval in which there was plenty of time to buy drinks, merchandise and raffle tickets to win a signed guitar, the show continued with the marvellous voice of Chris Farlowe singing a selection of numbers including Handbags and Gladrags, and I Got You (I Feel Good), Out of TIme. To finish the evening The Marmalade sang a medley of songs and had everyone on their feet singing Ob La De Ob La Da before being joined by everyone for the finale.
Three hours of live music resounding round the theatre had the audience singing, clapping, standing, swaying and (where space allowed) dancing. Our seats in the centre of the rear stalls had plenty of leg room and gave a perfect view of the stage allowing us to really soak up the atmosphere. Although some may have found the lights of the sound deck distracting, I was fascinated. For many, the highlight of the evening came at the end as they were able to meet the artistes themselves when they came out to the foyer to sign autographs and meet their fans.
Despite being a busy night at the theatre we were served quickly at the box office and at the bar both before the show and at the interval. The bar stocks a nice red wine and an excellent range of beers and soft drinks. The Grove Theatre has ample parking (including a number of disabled spaces) available to the rear of the building and is easily accessible by car, bus, bike and foot. Toilet facilities are well maintained and the only complaint I heard this evening was that the hand driers are a little slow! Although there is a cloakroom facility at the theatre I am yet to see it in use. Staff throughout the theatre were polite and friendly and I look forward to visiting again in the near future.
Another excellent evening’s entertainment at the Grove Theatre.
Rating: 4.5
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