A Night Out in London: Never Forget & Browns

THE SHOW

Let's get one thing straight; Never Forget is as camp as musicals come. Think confetti, barely-there boxer shorts and 90s dance moves and you're getting there. Now picture rain, lashings of it, gushing from the ceiling onto the stage; culminating in a moment to surpass any other attempt at impressive stage spectacle – the water curtain changes shape to spell out the words NEVER FORGET. Simultaneously, one of Take That's biggest hits is sung with boundless enthusiasm by the drenched cast members. Probably one of the more surreal moments in your theatre history. End of first half.

Never Forget was written by BAFTA award-winner Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, Sorted, Clocking Off) , Guy Jones and Ed Curtis. Singer/songwriter Ash dreams of a life beyond the Manchester pub circuit. Mounting debts lead him to take up a challenge from his friends and form a Take That tribute band. But when success beckons, love and loyalties are put to the test and Ash must decide how far he will go in his pursuit of the ultimate prize.

The storyline is driven by classic Take That hits including Pray, Back For Good, Babe and, fittingly, Never Forget. It seems fans of the band can't get enough of it. This is no stand still and sing your heart out affair. With each song comes a performance. Relight My Fire is sparked by a 10-foot high, 28-foot wide wall of fire whereas there is a salsa theme for It Only Takes a Minute.

Dean Chisnall, who plays Ash, makes an impressive Gary Barlow wannabe. The vocals from the rest of the group are strong back-up so the transition from naff tribute band to crowd-pleasers comes easily.

Each character has been honed for the best comic effect. Stephane Anelli is fantastic as the Spanish Jose Reize, who has travelled to England to make something of himself. Eaton James is convincingly dim as a former stripper known as Dirty Harry. Former Spamalot and Mamma Mia star Craige Els does a sound job of being Robbie Williams-like lad Jake Turner and Tim Driesen is endearing as Adrian Banks; an introverted bank manager, attempting to win over his adulterous wife.

With every scene comes another recognisible chart-topper. Lighting designer James Whiteside and sound designer Richard Brooker have worked together to create a party-like ambience and Chris Woods' flamboyant choice of costume enhances it further. For the show's finale, the audience is encouraged to join in. A medley of the best tracks brings the all-singing, all-dancing theatre-goers to their feet. This is a musical that doesn't take itself too seriously. A great excuse to have a guilt-free sing-along.

THE MEAL

BROWNS
Where: 82-84 St Martin's Lane
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
www.browns-restaurants.com
In the heart of theatre land the Covent Garden branch of Browns is the perfect setting for a relaxing catch up with a friend over a drink and delicious food.

There is a laid-back ambience in this venue with a casual/smart approach to its design. One of its main features is the extensive bar which boasts a range of drinks including a selection of chilled continental beers, broad wine list, champagne and signature cocktails.

When feeling peckish you could either stick to the main menu or choose two courses for £12.95 off the set theatre menu. There's a fair amount of options with the latter. The pan fried Button mushrooms are glorious for starters. Coated with brioche and a cream, brandy and smoked paprika sauce they are certainly worth tasting. If not, the soup of the day might appeal.

For main course try the salmon & spring onion fishcakes served on a bed of mixed leaves. The mango salsa gives them a great kick. Vegetarians could opt for the roast Mediterranean vegetable tart. Be warned though, if you're planning on leaving room for desert this is a really generous portion.

And so for pudding. The rich dairy ice cream is mouth-watering. Home-baked cookie crumbles over it for that finishing touch. Sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream is also a popular choice. If none of the above appeals, the friendly staff are always happy to recommend their favourite dishes.

Be it pre or post theatre it's definitely worth reserving a table at Browns. Only a short stroll away from the Savoy Theatre it compliments an evening with Never Forget wonderfully.

Pre & Post Theatre menu Two courses for £12.95 (Daily 4pm to 6.30pm/9.30 to 10.30pm)