This show proved a totally unexpected pleasure. Having read some of the reviews I braced myself for a cheese-fest extraordinaire; well, I got that, but not in a bad way.
The musical’s book hurtles along at break-neck speed; Take That’s songs are shoe-horned into every conceivable gap in the action. But a witty script that never takes itself too seriously, and knockout performances from a young and Über talented cast, more than make up for any shortcomings.
The set pieces are done riotously well, no more so than the act one close of Back For Good and Never Forget sung in the pouring rain. The production values of the show never disappoint and fully deserve their glamorous setting within the Savoy Theatre.
Dean Chisnall and Sophia Ragavelas deserve a special mention as lead lovers Ash and Chloe – but the rest of the supporting cast, particularly the Take That wannabee boys, are outstanding. You suspect that their abilities in being about to act, sing and dance far outweigh any abilities of the real thing.
Go see to check out how these things can be done well.
Paul, westendtheatre.com
TAKE THAT – SAVOY THEATRE
