Entertainment at its best on splendid musical journey

THE lights slowly dim, the music crescendos and off we go, whisked on a wonderful musical journey and into the world of songs from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.

There’s definitely no business like show business with this production, featuring some of the most famous songs of the golden age of Hollywood and the Cotton Club.

The glitz, dazzle and razzmatazz, together with slick, sharp footwork and body movements from the dance chorus – though hardly a chorus as it comprises dance stars and guests from the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing – and superb vocals from the ensemble make this a truly entertaining evening that should not be missed.

Wonderful choreography made full use of the Everyman’s main stage and musical arrangements sent you home singing and twirling round every lamp post en route.

There were costume changes galore, from the traditional tail coats with sequined lapels to cream long jacket suits and white tuxedos for the guys and glittery gowns and flapper dresses to floaty dresses edged in feathers or covered in sequins for the girls.

The first half ended with a rousing ‘Putting on the Ritz’ and the second half opened with some lovely soft shoe

shuffle before, and heavens knows how, the dancing racked up a notch or two to take us from Broadway, through a Judy Garland compilation, to the Cotton Club of prohibition.

‘Mini the Moucher’ had the audience joining in with the chorus responses and there was a simply clever energetic routine with the dancers sitting on the edge of the stage dancing with their hands and legs.

Everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life and this production certainly gives you that from start to finish, and what a finish!

If you do miss it in Cheltenham, try to catch it elsewhere on their tour as this is entertainment at its best.

This production gives you sparkle from start to finish… and what a finish!

Judith Wordsworth