Wilma’s Rating [rating=3]
It was a surprise to most of us when Dreamboats and Petticoats announced it was opening at the Wyndhams Theatre (since it only closed at the Playhouse Theatre in August). The producers must have thought a more central West End location (and the Christmas period) would help to fill the seats.
I’m not going to be as awful in this review as I was the last time I saw Dreamboats and Petticoats (at the Playhouse). If nothing else, David Ribi (who plays the lead role of Bobby) is very easy on the eye and his cheeky chappy smile and incredible voice make it easy to sit through. Who wouldn’t want him serenading them for two hours?!
Dreamboats and Petticoats is set in the 1960’s when Rock and Roll was making its mark on the world. It is a typical boy meets girl situation. Where one falls in love with the other and the other falls in love with someone else. Through a songwriting competition they fight to win the ones they love. The good this about this show is that all the music is played live on stage (both by the actors and the on stage band).
David Cardy (Bobby’s dad) is a familiar face that you would recognise from a number of different places. The Bill, Eastenders and A Touch of Frost to name a few. He brings a sense of charm to the show in his reminiscent ways.
Sam Attwater (Norman) can also be recognised from his time in Eastenders as well as winning the 2011 Dancing on Ice show. He makes a noble attempt at the role but it would have been nice to seem some skates on him!
The theatre programme shows a wide range of merchandise (that is apparently available at the show) but I certainly didn’t see it (and yes, I was wearing my glasses!) It is a shame that shows go to the trouble of producing merchandise if they aren’t going to make it apparent that they have it. Sadly a Dreamboats and Petticoats mug has not been added to my collection because I did not realise there were any there!
Dreamboats and Petticoats is a nice little show that is unfortunately unable to compete in today’s West End market. It’s the perfect show to take your nan to as a Christmas present and this is why the regional tour of the show has done (and always will do) well.
The show has been yo-yoing around the West End and the rest of the UK since 2009. Sadly, with so many fresh new shows coming into town like
Loserville it just doesn’t pull in the same crowds here as it used to.
Dreamboats and Petticoats is booking until 19th January 2013 at the Wyndhams Theatre.
Book tickets here.Watch the new trailer below for Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Wyndhams Theatre.
