"Dreamboats and Petticoats - Bringing Back The Good Times"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Jukebox musicals can be pretty light on plotlines, this is one of them; that aside, the music far makes up for the tissue paper storyline. Fortunately, I've seen "Dreamboats" before, so I remember the characters, and that is half the battle in any play or musical; you already have a foot in the door. This is the third instalment of the "Dreamboats" ongoing escapades. "Bringing On Back the Good Times", and they did!

Bobby and Laura used to perform together, Due to "creative differences" they no longer perform as a duo and Bobby has gone back to the band that he used to perform with, Norman and The Conquests. Laura has taken the solo route and is a rising star on the scene. they are though still a couple and the split, musically is causing all kinds of issues with the couple. That basically is the plot.

Elizabeth Carter (Laura) has a gorgeous voice, which sounds heavenly on "You Don't Own Me", winning her a standing ovation from a few people in the audience, mid-way through the show. Her voice blends so well with Bobby's, and there is a lovely chemistry between the two sweethearts, which shows even more when they duet on several of the musical numbers.

Several times this year we have witnessed local actors returning to Nottingham with touring productions, and again, tonight we were so pleased to see Jacob Fowler (Bobby) grace the stage in this lead role. I've known Jacob for several years now, so I know what a great soul voice he has. I've reviewed him in local productions and seen him perform his own original material live. We also saw him win through on TV when Little Mix were looking for a support band, and Since September was born. Now we get to see Jacob perform songs that were hits decades before he was born and make them sound like they were his songs. He is well within his comfort zone with this show, playing guitar, acting and we also get to hear his wonderful falsetto. Where we sat, there were echoes of people complementing his voice and the show itself.

It's always wonderful to see original legends on stage and Mark Wynter plays Larry, Laura's controlling manager. There is absolutely no doubt that this man still has it. Acting ability, stage presence and that smooth voice. We are also treated to a medley of Mark's greatest hits, "Venus In Blue Jeans/Go Away Little Girl/It's Almost Tomorrow". He presented a lady in the front row with a rose, and looked like he may have had trouble getting up, but no, he rose, with a wobble. And the only reason why I add this is that I am 20 years younger than Mark, and his knees work better than mine. He obviously keeps himself fit, and he looks in great shape.

Another brilliant casting is David Benson as Kenneth Williams as the host of the Eurovision. This scenario comes into play because Bobby makes one final bid to save his career, as well as his relationship: a wildcard run at becoming Britain’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. David had the audience in the palm of his hand with his Kenneth Williams mimicry, which included the "Ma Crepe Suzette" monologue/song. David also played the parts of Old Bobby, which is where the musical starts, and Mr Croft.

Joseph Lukehurst (Norman), like Jacob, was drafted in at short notice for this role, but you wouldn't have guessed it due to the confidence that oozed from this character onstage, and some pretty powerful vocals as well.

The rest of the cast are as follows, Lauren Anderson-Oakley (Sue), Samara Clarke (Donna), David Luke (Ray). Mike Lloyd (Percy/Frank), David Luke (Ray), Benji Lord (Colin/The Kellys), Joe Sterling (Richard/The Kellys), Rob Gathercole (Richard/The Kellys), Sheridan Lloyd (Andy), Chloe Edwards-Wood (Daisy/Betty), Daniel Kofi-Wealthyland (Barry), Alan Howell (Eric) and Lauren Chinnery (Babs/Sue/Tania Thomas).

The cast, many of whom play instruments as well as singing and dancing, all work their little Bobby Sox off to create a really good, feel-good vibe, and that makes up for any serious lack of story. If only life were as simple as this, but theatre is supposed to take us away from our humdrum life and transport us to a feel-good place, so it does its job. it's not opera and it's not Shakespeare, and it wasn't produced to be either and there is room for all on the big stage.

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, there is plenty of comedy which is at most, seaside humour saucy, and sometimes you just want to go out and not see something too deep with a complicated story, you want to see something light and entertaining that makes you feel all fuzzy when you leave the theatre. And on these levels, this show ticks every box!

Choreographed by Carole Todd and all of the dances that go with the songs are there performed with gusto.

There are so many hits from the 50's and 60's, it's almost like a K-Tel/Ronco compilation, or maybe any one of the many "Dreamboats and Petticoats" CD compilations. "Mony Mony", "Baby, Now That I Found You", "Oh Pretty Woman", "Keep On Running", "You Don't Own Me", "C'Mon Everybody", "Where The Boys Are", "To Sir With Love", "Blue Moon", "Come Softly To Me" - both of these performed accapella style. 37 songs, and then there was the Megamix at the end. It was like being at a "Now That's What I call A 50's/60's Dreamboats and Petticoats Party".

A brilliant set design, by Sean Cavanagh, which took in The Palace in Torquay, St. Mungos Youth Club and Butlins.

The sound (Chris Whybrow) and lighting (Nick Richings) design was everything that I would have expected a successful touring show to present. It was nice and loud; I'd expect no less from a live band and, although Norman was caught without a full spot on him only once, the lighting was big, bold and beautifully done.

I loved the costumes; the male costumes were mainly sharp suits and the ladies' dresses were just as sharp.

People who book for a show like this should not expect anything more than a brilliant escape from their everyday life, combined with a wonderful soundtrack that you know every word of and can sing along with (in your head only please!). It is light and fluffy entertainment and there is never anything wrong with light and pink and fluffy onstage in my eyes!

"Dreamboats and Petticoats - Bringing Back the Good Times" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 25 June.