I have to confess that when I saw the original film, I left the cinema in depression as I realised that my pre-dad dancing around my partner’s handbag would no longer cut the mustard. My disco days were severely numbered.
All those years later I can now appreciate the abundance of pleasure that this production – the latest in a long line of great musical theatre to be presented by the Regent Theatre this year – brings. I was going to say I sat back and enjoyed the experience but the score had me swaying in my seat from the start and leaping up to join the rest of the packed audience to dance along with the cast to the fabulous finale medley.
The story revolves around the character of Tony Manero (Jack Wilcox) – a young man whose life is restricted by being a member of a highly religious family as well having a humdrum life working in a paint store and mixing with a gang of deadbeats.
Manero’s outlet is his dancing which makes him a draw on the dance floor for a host of wannabe girlfriends. Tony’s regular is Annette (Billie Hardy) but his eye is turned by Stephanie Mangano (Rebekah Bryant) who is a better dancer as he prepares for a dance competition. Will this relationship – so hot on the dance floor – lead to lasting love?
The sub plots revolve around Tony’s brother Frank Junior (Marios Nicolaides) who – to the horror of his mother Flo (Melody E Jones) – is having a crisis of conscience regarding his role in the priesthood and Bobbie C (Harry-Goodson Bevan) – one of Tony’s friends who is struggling with the lot that life has thrown him. There are also references to drug-taking and street violence as well as scenes of an adult nature that give an edge and contrast to the joy of the production as a whole.
Bevan and Nicolaides play their parts with a skill that allow the audience to empathise with their dilemmas and the leading characters are very ably supported by a talented cast of performers who are given the chance to shine throughout the play.
But the production will live and die on the performance of the lead character and Wilcox delivers with a capital D. Tony Manero is a complex character to portray as he has to offset his arrogance towards the adoring females with a personality that makes the audience want him to be a winner.
Wilcox had many in the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he stripped off early in the action. But he proved himself to be more than just a piece of eye candy as he strutted his stuff on the dance floor and he showcased his acting talents with poignant scenes with his brother and with his dance partner.
There was a crackling chemistry between Manero and Bryant – who has a fine voice to go along with her dancing skills – that showed not just in their beautifully choreographed dance scenes but also in their dialogue.
The other star of the show is the music. The Bee Gees were at their disco best with the score to this production and it is a masterstroke to have them playing their part in the play. Performed by AJ Jenks, Drew Ferry and Oliver Thomson, the trio captured the sight and sound of the legendary group to perfection with the backing of an excellent band under the direction of Jeremy Wootton.
With energetic tight choreography from Bill Deamer, Saturday Night Fever is another massive hit from Bill Kenwright’s stable. With its sparkling choreography, fabulous score and talented cast, this production is no Tragedy and will probably move into Immortality. Just show How Deep Is Your Love and get along while you can.
Saturday Night Fever has a running time of approximately 2hours 40 minutes including interval and completes its run on Saturday November 29th. For ticket details contact 0844 871 7615 or atgtickets.com/stoke
