Soulful, magnetic tribute to 1960s diva

To her adoring 1960s public, singer Dusty Springfield was a blazing comet of talent and she was one of the highest-paid singers of that era.

But behind the teased blonde hairdos, heavy eye makeup and glittering costumes, lurked Dusty’s original identity – as plain, redheaded little Mary O’brien from Ealing, London, daughter of deeply religious, unsupportive parents.

No matter how starry her professional life, Dusty was never able to shed a deeprooted insecurity, coupled with conflicted feelings about her true sexual orientation.

Falling from glory by the 1980s, she would rise again, shining even more brightly as a classic soul-music icon.

Abbey Musical Theatre’s current

musical, Dusty, opens and closes with a recreated Royal Command performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and in between, lovingly explores the diva’s life, times and music, while skimming over her more extreme real-life excesses.

Director Ian Harman has mounted a fast-moving, toe-tapping show, sprinkled with the soulful Springfield songs we all still know so well.

As the pop diva, Amy Hunt is the ultimate Dusty.

Whether softly sentimental or belting it out, she’s flawless of voice and magnetic in interpretation.

Hunt is backed by a seasoned supporting cast, including Erica Ward as Dusty’s songstress love Reno, Hannah Sandbrook as Dusty’s schoolgirl self Mary, and Read Wheeler and Candace Higgie as Dusty’s faithful hairdresser and assistant.

She is also supported by a well-drilled ensemble of singers and dancers, and a hardworking production team.

The only slight quibble is one that often raises its head in productions with a musical backing track – it’s occasionally too loud for the singers.

Overall, this is a poignant but ultimately joyful and triumphant show, a fitting climax to another successful Abbey Musical Theatre year.