(C) Marc Brenner
An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical is a captivating stage adaptation of the beloved 1982 film, inspired by the real-life experiences of screenwriter Douglas Day Stewart. This jukebox musical version features classic hits from the 80s and a beefed up book, written by original screenwriter Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen. The musical originally premiered in 2012 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in Australia and soon became an audience favourite. Propelled by it’s recognisable title and nostalgic tunes, An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical soon made it’s way to UK shores where a well-received production opened at The Curve Theatre, Leicester and is now out on tour around the UK. Stopping at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London audiences now have the chance to relive one of their favourite films onstage and bop along to the well-known hits of the original films iconic soundtrack.
Just like the Richard Gere movie, the musical version of An Officer and a Gentleman is a timeless tale filled with love, courage, and redemption that will make your heart soar and leave you wanting more. It follows the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters spark a love that breaks all boundaries. With a soundtrack featuring hits by Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and more, the music carries you through their highs and lows, including the unforgettable (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
Luke Baker delivers a fantastic performance as our complicated hero, Zack Mayo. Portraying Mayo’s anger with finesse, Baker skillfully allows the character’s more tender sides to seep through, captivating the audience and drawing them into Zack’s journey. From the fun tongue and cheek performance of I Want To Know What Love early on to the emotionally charged Family Man in Act two, Baker gives a strong vocal performance and has solidified himself with leading man status.
As his love interest Paula Pokrifki, Georgia Lennon gives a wonderful performance. Strong and independent, her Paula dreams of freedom and a better life ultimately finding both in Mayo. Lennon’s voice soars throughout the musical giving us belty renditions of Girls Just Want To Have Fun and a powerful rendition of Alone.
As the complicated Lynette Pomeroy, Sinead Long gives a splendid performance. Offering powerful vocals throughout, Long looks to be having a ball with hits I Was Made For Loving You and Material Girl focused towards her character. Jamal Crawford delivers a fun performance as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley delivering the iconic “steers and queers” monologues with a mischievous cheek. As Sid Worley, Paul French shone throughout. Confidently striding around the stage, French has the audience in the palm of his hand and delivers a dazzling performance full of nuance, humour and authenticity making his characters journey all the more emotional.
As a production, Curve has definitely pulled out all the stops. Michael Taylor’s fittingly industrial set design features scaffolding around all sides of the stage and a central two storied tour that moves around to create different locals. Wire netting and neon lights adorn the scaffolding to create textures and lighting effects that tower over the audience. All moving set pieces are uniform in style and combined with Ben Cracknell’s excellent lighting design and Tom Marshall’s sound design, present a very slick finish.
While the story and themes maybe a little outdated, An Officer and a Gentleman seems to know exactly what it is; a nostalgia filled rom-com delivering an iconic story to music that defined a generation. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating romance and wonderfully crafted production brought to life on stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Reviewed by Stuart James
