The stage adaptation of the 1998 film starring Adam Sander and Drew Barrymore brings the flamboyance of the 1980s’ to The Alhambra Theatre where LEO OWEN caught the show

PROJECTED film clips transport us back in time, showing trailers for 80s’ classics like Weird Science, Desperately Seeking Susan and Back 2 The Future. Tim Herlihy, the original screenplay writer for the film, collaborates with Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin for a new accompanying score and lyrics. The plot, however, remains very close to the original, documenting a wedding singer’s attempt to bounce back after being jilted at the altar.

In keeping with its source material, Director and Choreographer Nick Winston opens the show with a wedding reception, including entertainment from the titular character’s band, Simply Wed. Singing “all your problems melt away” during breezy opening number “It’s Your Wedding Day”, Jon Robyns (Robbie Hart) is matched in energy by Designer Francis O’Connor’s hideous sequinned 80s’ wedding attire.

The show’s move away from the original film’s 80s’ soundtrack is no secret but remains just as disappointing, detracting from the comforting nostalgia of its predecessor. That said, Sklar and Beguelin still manage to emulate the feel-good harmonies of its original pop backdrop. As waitress Julia Sullivan, Cassie Compton whimsically sings about the bridegroom, daydreaming that she too might marry one day. New Bar mitzvah song “Today You’re a Man” is a lively introduction; the Galleria wedding-shopping montage works well; the boys’ rendition of “Single” is one of the catchiest tunes and “All About the Green” cleverly emulates Wall Street’s money-hungry.

Alongside new additions, tracks from the film co-penned by Sandler survive, including the comical rejection song “Somebody Kill Me”; Grandma Rosie’s (Ruth Madoc) energetic saucy rap duet with George (Samuel Holmes) “Move That Thang” and the endearing “Grow Old with You”.

As with so many contemporary productions, setting generally relies on utilising the screen to depict 80s’ advertising billboards for set changes, alongside small prop additions. Having said this, Winston and O’connor do shun the constraints of theatre by remaining ambitious in their vision, including an on-stage version of Glen Gulia’s (Ray Quinn) supercar. In keeping with the film, Winston fluidly cross-cuts between the 50th wedding anniversary and pivotal plane trip but there are still a few final surprises for fans of the film.

The Wedding Singer does indeed have its funny moments but is far from the “hilarious” advertising bumf suggests. It rather predictably attracts a female audience and could arguably be more enjoyable for those fresh to the story who’ll find it equally predictable but will lack disappointing pre-conceived notions. Whiney nasal American accents and shouty Indecipherable lyrics during rock numbers let an otherwise vibrant show down. Fun to watch, fabulous energy and faultless performances but ultimately a show that’s unlikely to stand the test of time.

The Wedding Singer shows in The Alhambra Theatre April 25-29 before continuing its UK tour and returning to Leeds in August: http://theweddingsingermusical.co.uk/tour-dates