Frock 'n' roll fun at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon (From Swindon Advertiser)

Frock 'n' roll fun at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon

4:44pm Wednesday 27th July 2011 in Reviews

The musical inspired by a series of compilation CDs has waltzed into the Wyvern Theatre this week and it is already proving to be a rock ‘n’ roll success.

The year is 1961 and, against the backdrop of the St Mungo’s youth club, our hero Bobby is in a state of unrequited love for the buxom and brassy Sue, who is far more interested in the arrogant Norman. But as the half unfolds we also discover the bookish Laura is in love with Bobby and we see this love quadrangle progress.

Under a score of 1950s and 60s songs featuring the likes of Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry and The Shadows, we watch the stories unfold in this high energy, up-tempo and classy performance.

Samantha Dorrance as Laura and David Ribi as Bobby are the stand-out performances, with their voices conveying the longing and emotion the show needs to tie the songs together with the plot. Ben James-Ellis, who featured in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, and Katie Birtell as Norman and Sue also help make this show as impressive as it is.

A special mention must also go to the band who are characters themselves and energetically play their own instruments on stage. From drums to saxophone each song is accompanied by the band who don’t miss a beat.

Dreamboats and Petticoats is a fast-paced, high octane musical that had the audience dancing and singing along in the aisles.

- Jenny Hogg