Take a trip back over 35 years to the late 1970s to take in the sometimes dark side of New York. Here we meet Tony Manero played by the energetic Danny Bayne, a young man from Brooklyn who works in the local paint store, but has both a passion and ability to dance. The show tells the story of his journey to become the Disco champion at the Odyssey Disco club. Along the way he meets Stephanie played by Naomi Slights who matches his talent and is a perfect dance partner, but makes it very clear that is the only partnership they will be sharing. The story is also punctuated with sub plots highlighting darker social issues of the time, and has language to match.
The Musical numbers penned by the Gibb Brothers are well performed by the cast who sing, dance, and play instruments, include Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, Jive Talking, How Deep is Your Love?, You Should Be Dancing, More than a Woman and the later hit Tragedy (which did not feature in the original film)
The cleverly designed set revolves literally around three boxes which are seamlessly manoeuvred into position and transformed into backdrops, subway trains Diner booths lighting rigs, elevated dance floors, and much more.
If you are expecting and uplifting Disco extravaganza with dancing in the aisles you may be disappointed, this is a gritty drama reflecting the difficulties young people encountered in this Era. However the cast are terrific, the music will take you back to your younger days, the dancing is well choreographed and the whole performance is very professionally produced.
There is an abrupt end to the story but as is the norm the cast return for a megamix encore to leave you with that feel good feeling.
The show is on until Saturday 28th February
Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)
Groups Hotline: 01908 547609
Access Booking: 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee)
