Showing @ King’s Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 8 Nov @ times vary
Let’s turn back the clocks to a time where the skirts were mini, the beehive hairdo was the latest look, music was loud and Beatlemania was at an all-time high. A younger, cooler post-war generation were calling the shots and celebrating life to the full and this is particularly true in Bill Kenwright’s Dreamboats and Miniskirts.
This is the sequel to the hit musical Dreamboats and Petticoats, which followed music star hopefuls Laura (Elizabeth Carter) and Bobby (Alex Beaumont) throughout the 50s into the early 60s. Miniskirts now brings to life the swinging 60s era, when the world was changing socially, and particularly for Laura and Bobby. Their first attempt at breaking the music industry was thwarted. Will attempt number two be successful?
Almost. The first half starts slowly and rather disappointingly, unlike the boom which greeted the entrance of the 60s. Things soon pick up in the second act and the strong ensemble gets the audience twisting and shaking with great hits such as Pretty Woman, Hippy Hippy Shake and I Get Around. The cast’s musicality brings the songs to life, with all actors impressively playing live on stage. Particular credit must be given to the brass section, which adds a great wealth of musical interest and a 60s jazz vibe. Carter and Beaumont’s performances are good, even if, much like the structure of the musical, they lack energy at first. However, they save the best ’til last by becoming the typical pop diva and boy band stud.
Despite its start, Dreamboats and Miniskirts is a feel-good musical with a great selection of pop-hit classics. The cast and creative recreate the revolutionary period of the 60s, which will make you want to Twist and Shout!