Dreamboats and Petticoats

Leeds Grand

For me and many others in their 60’s in the audience this was very much a trip down memory lane taking me back personally to my Youth Club days at Horsforth Grove Youth club where David Bates and his group used to entertain us with their Rock ‘N Roll numbers.

Dreamboats and Petticoats is a highly emotive musical set in 1961, and tells the story of young musicians Norman and Bobby who are competing to win a national song writing competition and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock‘n’roll fame beckons.

From Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the writers behind TV Classics ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’, ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘The New Statesmen’ and ‘Shine on Harvey Moon’, this West End sell-out show features classic tracks made famous by Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, and many more from music’s golden era. Hits include Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is to Love Him, Bobby’s Girl, Little Town Flirt, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, The Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Hey Baby and Let’s Twist Again.

As befits a Bill Kenwright production the sets for this production are spot on and so authentic of the time period in which the musical is set. The Youth Club scenes look just like I remember from my youth with the table tennis table, stage with the band on it, chairs and coffee bar. A big plaudit therefore must go to Sean Cavanagh the designer in this respect.

All of the music in this production is played live by the various artists and what a brilliant job they do throughout the show. The lead guitar playing by Jay Osborne in the role of Richard was absolutely outstanding, particularly in Shakin’ All Over. Other members of the band who are all excellent musicians were Henry Alexander on Bass Guitar (Colin), Rob Gathercole on Keyboards and Trumpet (Jeremy), Alan Howell on Acoustic Guitar (Eric), Sheridan Lloyd the Musical Director and Keyboards (Andy), and Billy Stookes on Drums (Barry).

The lead principals all were outstanding in their roles, particularly Elizabeth Carter as Laura whose singing was superb. Likewise, Alistair Higgins as Bobby, Alistair Hill as Norman and Laura Darton as Sue all have great voices as well and are excellent actors. I particularly liked the duets between Elizabeth Carter and Alistair Higgins of Runaway/Who’s Sorry Now and Let It Be Me and also Elizabeth’s superb rendition of Dream Baby Dream.

For anyone with a love of 60s music and Rock and Roll this is a great evening, full of vitality and unforgettable songs. The show runs until Saturday 15 July and tickets are available by either ringing the box office at the Grand Theatre on 0844 848 2700 or on line at www.leedsgrandtheatre.com