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Forget lullaby of Broadway, 42nd Street is the toast of the West End. This revival, directed by co-author Mark Bramble, has pulled out all the stops to ensure it’s the biggest, brightest and best show in London.
It is big. Really big. A cast of nearly sixty tap dance their way into your heart, in a production that balances nostalgia with glorious unrelenting technicolour. This is old-school musical theatre at its best, but it’s barely aged at all. Each scene feels and looks different from the last, and every detail has been painstakingly curated to make this show scream spectacular, from the stunning (and boy, are they stunning) costumes to the impressive lighting and astounding sets.
Sheena Easton makes her West End debut in the role of Dorothy Brock, and we’re left wondering what on earth took so long to get her on to a London stage? Those vocals are an absolute treat and she’s nailed the character too. Tom Lister, in the role of Julian Marsh is also impressive vocally and has a great command of the stage.
Clare Halse as chorus girl turned Broadway star, Peggy Sawyer, has all the attributes of the character she plays. Her dance routines are absolute perfection and she is mesmerising to watch. Stuart Neal takes on the role of Billy Sawyer, and again, every step and every note is divine.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; the supporting cast do not disappoint either, and then those dancers, all forty-two of them, give so much energy, passion and commitment, and are a gleaming example of the talent that can be found on the London stage. I wish I could name every one of them, and list what makes them all so wonderful (after all it’s them that makes this show what it is), but it’s probably far easier for you to get a ticket and see for yourself.
There’s spectacular and breath-taking musical theatre, and then there’s 42nd Street, which manages to knock it right out of the park. Not only is this show visually stunning, it’s incredibly entertaining, funny and heart-warming. You’ll find yourself tapping your way out of the theatre, humming those iconic tunes and grinning like a chorus girl on an opening night.
This production of 42nd Street is supporting the Nook Appeal, you can find out more and make a donation here.
Photos Courtesy: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
42nd Street Tickets are on Sale here
