The Rattonians Broadway Bound Congress Theatre Eastbourne Review

The Rattonians

Broadway Bound

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

21-31 July 2010

(show seen 22 July)

Cast: The Rattonians (Seniors and Youth Group)

Compilations of hit musical numbers is a bit of an "in thing" at the moment with productions like In The Spotlight touring the country and Gotta Sing Gotta Dance starting its 2010 tour shortly.

The audience numbers for the show we saw was disappointing. Some were saying in the foyer that they thought the lack of attendance was down to this choice of show rather than a full musical production ,as is normally the case. Especially as The Rattonians Christmas show is a similar production but obviously with Christmas hits added.

There certainly may be something in that argument but if anybody really decided not to see this 2 hour+ extravaganza for that reason it's a shame. You missed a fabulous show.

The two acts were split according to the musicals geographic location. The first half dedicated to Europe and in the second half the USA got its chance with all the hits from Broadway.

I must get a mention in on the costumes which were incredible. The costume team had clearly been working overtime creating so many beautifully made and colourful creations.

Highlights? Goodness it seems unfair to single people out from this talented group but for me the performance of We Are What We Are (La Cage Aux Folles) cannot be forgotten. Memorable not just because it was vocally great but also perhaps because it was a little worrying that the lads were so good at applying make-up and dressing up as women. Alex Adams had done such a good job that if he went out at night in Eastbourne dressed like that the consequences could be interesting.

I have to say this was a great show for the hugely talented Alex who performed many other musical hits. These were topped off with an incredible performance accompanied by Thomas Hackett, James Moy and Barnaby Pout as The Four Seasons (Jersey Boys). Wow! What an incredible vocal delivery that was by all involved but Alex's high-note-precision was simply outstanding and pitch-perfect.

Great to see Barnaby and Paula Pout (who is also the vocal coach) playing a large part in this show too. The husband and wife team ,who entertain professionally as "Duality", have a great sound and stage presence.

Like son Alex, Melanie Adams has many chances to shine in this production all of which are great but Just In Love (Call Me Madam) which she performs with the brilliant Thomas Hackett was my favourite.

Over The Rainbow (Wizard Of Oz) is a song that can easily be ruined fortunately young Meggie Dennis doesn't know how to ruin songs and got one of the loudest rounds of applause of the evening.

Look I could waffle on forever as hits from more than 35 musicals are in this fantastic show.

So there's no excuse for sitting in a hotel room in Eastbourne when you have a brilliant summer show which is not only excellent but where the profits go to Cancer Research.

So go on, get out, see a great show and support a worthy cause at the same time.

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