Review: A Slice of Saturday Night, Nelson Musical Theatre

Nelson Musical Theatre have a smash hit on their hands with A Slice of Saturday Night, a musical spoof by the Heather Brothers on the Saturday night rituals of pubescent 17-year-old delinquents in the 60s.

The story revolves around a group of friends who spend their Saturday nights at Club A-go-go, run by fading rocker Eric (Lester Oakes), looking for love, fun, and adventure. Full of teen angst, braggadocio, chat-ups and hook-ups, regrets and heartache, it is irrepressibly joyful and playful.

Before they even start you are transported back to 1960s England. The Red Door Theatre is transformed like never before with a stunning set, complimented to perfection by the incredible costumes and great lighting.

The bag-clutching, hair-twirling Sharon (Ella Danson) stuns with her amazing vocals and acting alongside love-struck Rick (Chey Habib) with absolutely outstanding duets, Seventeen and Sentimental Eyes. Although the comedic, drunken duet Oh so bad by Eddie (Patrick Conyers) and Gary (Hayden Jefcoate) was hilariously memorable.

Stand-out Maddy Armstrong (Sue) usually commands the stage with her dance moves, but tonight proved herself to be a triple threat with stunning vocals, dancing and acting.

One of the exceptional elements of the show is its use of humour. Accompanied by the incredibly talented live band, the music is an eclectic cross-section of famous 60s numbers that have been shamelessly poached and replaced with comical lyrics. The humour is often silly and over-the-top yet feels so right with its clever self-mocking charm.

With its stellar cast of 10, fabulous choreography, hilarious songs and blunt humour, it's difficult to come away feeling anything but thoroughly entertained.

A Slice of Saturday Night runs from 12^th – 15^th and 18^th– 22^nd April at the Red Door Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here ... but watch out, some nights are already sold out!!

Director: Hugh Neill

Musical Director: Chris Lukies

Reviewed by: Judene Edgar