FAT FRIENDS, THE MUSICAL

KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW

odds with the lyrics written by Mellor. Beautiful lilting rhythms dealing with the subject matter of diets seemed a bit odd. The Scottish run of the show saw Joel Montague replace cricketer Freddie Flintoff as Kelly’s less-than-academic fiance Kevin. By all accounts, the Glasgow audience got the better end of the deal as Flintoff’s lack of experience told, while Montague dealt with the bumbling lover perfectly. King’s Theatre favourite Elaine C Smith replaced Sam Bailey as Kelly’s mum Betty and it would be hard to imagine the X Factor winner coming close to capturing the role as well as the inimitable Scots actress.

It was lovely to hear Smith show off her jazzy voice but a pity it was such a short burst.

Former Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton was Julia Fleshman, the creator of Super Slimmers, who pushed drugs on to Kelly to reduce her bulk in a bid to prove her diet regime worked.

Hamilton gave more than a passing nod to Hairspray baddie Velma Von Tussle in her characterisation but it worked.

And the secondary love story between Jew Lauren (Natalie Anderson) and Church of England vicar Paul (Jonathan Halliwell) was a good subplot, dealing with religious bigotry in a gentle way. But the star of the show was Rachel Wooding, who played the double role of Kelly’s acerbic sister Joanne and Fleshman’s meek assistant Pippa with consummate ease. Her attention to detail in both roles was a joy.

The set was also a hit with the revolving bridal shop and church allowing a seamless transition between scenes.

There were scenes which stretched out a little too long but a tweak here or there could lift the show to a different level.

There is a real honesty in this production, which is likely to get slicker as the run progresses. Whether you are a bag of bones or have eaten too many pies, go along and see this musical in its infancy.