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Fiona Mountford's rating
, Not one to Shout about
By
Fiona Mountford
30 Apr 2009
You can almost follow the producers’ recession-era train of thought. Blend 30-odd easy-access tunes from the Sixties, add in a sliver of storyline about three young women from the north moving downtown (I sense a song coming on) to London and top with Su Pollard saying “Flipping heck”. How could this not be a world-beating musical? Let me count the ways.
It’s unclear who, if anyone, actually wrote Shout! A book adaptor is mentioned, and someone apparently had a concept but what it boils down to is Betty, Georgina and Ruby ageing not one day throughout the entire World-Cup-winning, man-on-the-moon decade and suffering no personal problem that can’t be sorted out via two lines of dialogue with Auntie Su.
Eventually the trio don combat fatigues, turn counter-revolutionary and move to Cuba. Or maybe I made that last bit up.
The choreography looks like something my goddaughter cooks up with her friends on a Saturday afternoon, and the amplification in Bill Deamer’s production means you could probably hear the entire thing by standing in Leicester Square. Pollard is loud and the others are game but with this sort of material there aren’t a whole lot of options.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (9)
Great, great show. I enjoyed it so much and felt really good when it finished. I have recommended it to many of my friends. If you want a good night out, don't miss it. Brilliant voices too.....Enjoy.......
- Janet N, hounslow, middlesex, 05/05/2009 23:04
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What a brilliant night out! my friends and i have not laughed so much in a long time, and felt truly spoilt by the number of songs that were covered by some outstanding voices! I cant remember the last time i saw such talent in the West End.
I thought Bill Deamer's 60's choreography was superb - it never stopped!
This is definately a show not to be missed!
- Cassie, London, 01/05/2009 18:03
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Go and see this show if you want a good fun night out.
Great songs, great performances and the knock out Su Pollard. Somthing to chase away the blues.
- Tina, London, 01/05/2009 01:33
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I've seen it twice, once in preview and again tonight and the only disappointment I've had was that the truly superb Shona White was not performing this evening.
Having said that, my God what a capable and frankly superb understudy replaced her! Not Shona but unless you've heard her frankly freakishly good voice then you wouldn't be any the wiser as Francesca (think that's her name) was also excellent.
It's a vast collection of frankly brilliantly performed songs from my favourite era with some tacky and cheesy jokes thrown in. Don't like Carry on ? then don't go ! Want to see Les Mis? Go see Les Mis!
I asked the front of house staff about the use of pre-recorded tracks and live band.... there are neither... it is unbelievable to be told that the sound produced is by just 4 musicians!! and ALL of it live. You can't see them as there is no open pit at the Arts which is a real shame, but from where I was sat at the front of the stalls you could see the MD on the tv screens that the cast are relying on.
An absolutely fantastic night out, a superb heavyweight cast and the choreography? perfect.
- Richard, London, 01/05/2009 01:26
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Excellent! A show that the majority of fun-loving people will enjoy. Not everything has to be 'arty'!
- Alan Whitehead, Blackpool, 01/05/2009 01:07
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This is great - high energy innocent fun. What a shame that is considered an artistic crime in these times when we all need cheering up. The audience love this show and rightly should they. I'll be going again.
- Gilly, Basingstoke UK, 30/04/2009 23:50
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took my aunt & she loved it- she was singing along with all the songs. I couldn't believe how many songs were packed in to the show! Great fun!
- Sarah, kent, 30/04/2009 18:07
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Brilliant show- it's not rocket science but being a feel good musical it did exactly what it said on the tin. Perfect for lifting the spirits and good old fashioned laugh.
- Jenny Swaile, London, 30/04/2009 14:08
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took to friend to the show not knowing much about it. Loved every minute. Great music, great cast and Ms Pollard was brilliant. Highly recommended for a fun night out.
- Andrew, london, 30/04/2009 13:08
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