Stepping Out, by Richard Harris, is known to many as a New York based movie with Liza Minnelli in the lead role. But it was first a play, set in London, with its first West End production running for almost three years. This new production returns the show to the West End at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Revolving around a church hall evening tap class, led by Mavis Turner with musical accompaniment from Mrs Fraser, Stepping Out is the story of a group of women (and Geoffrey), who are volunteered to perform in a charity gala, despite their obvious lack of skill. So the once social gatherings become a concentrated effort of straw boaters, canes and tap shoes, with a good few laughs thrown in.
Along the way, each of the disparate personalities clash and come together again, in what is ultimately a story about people who are lonely, finding friendship in the unlikeliest of places. The stage version finds it a little trickier to get really under the skin of characters, and their problems aren’t neatly resolved in a fairy-tale cinematic ending, but director, Maria Friedman, has done a wonderful job of bringing out the key elements that make this story so endearing.
Amanda Holden is magnificent as Vera, her one liners are absolute gold and delivered to perfection, “I used to be fat you know”, she says with not a hint of malice. Taking on a role made famous by Julie Walters could have been difficult, but not for Miss Holden who sparkles brighter than the finale sequins. Anna-Jane Casey, who is standing in as Mavis while Tamzin Outhwaite is indisposed, gives a really wonderful performance and is paired well with Judith Barker playing Mrs Fraser. All of the ladies (and Dominic Rowan as Geoffrey) are delightful to watch and each brings something for the audience to enjoy.
Stepping Out is a lovingly gentle British comedy that allows the audience to escape the madness of present day and step back in time to 1983. With some heart-warming and inspiring moments, we cheer alongside this mismatched group who come together to do something they never dreamed they could. It’s warm, comforting and full of razzle-dazzle.
The cast comprises: Amanda Holden, Anna-Jane Casey, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nicola Stephenson, Natalie Casey, Judith Barker, Sandra Marvin, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Lesley Vickerage, Dominic Rowan, Tamzin Outhwaite.
