FOREVER PLAID to 22nd June 2008.
London.
FOREVER PLAID
by Stuart Ross.
Upstairs At The Gatehouse, Highgate Village, N6 4BD To 22nd June 2008.
Tue–Sat 8pm Sun 4pm.
Runs 1hr 50min One interval.
TICKETS: 020 8340 3488
www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com
Review: Geoff Ambler 27 May 2008.
A charming musical revival brings a slice of the Fifties back for a night.
Having been the first musical to grace the Gatehouse, Forever Plaid returns to this bastion of the London Fringe for their ten-year anniversary. Suiting this friendly venue's intimacy perfectly, Plaid brings its rare kind of harmonised magic back to the stage, coupling smooth soulful songs with great humour alongside some slick choreography. A hit Off-Broadway and around the States, it only passed briefly through Shaftesbury Avenue; however with resident director John Plews’ and choreographer Racky Plews’ loving care, it sparkles on the small stage.
Set in the now, Forever Plaid allows four guys named Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge a chance to come back from 1964 when a fatal car accident prevented their first big gig – the Airport Hilton Cocktail Bar. The band, a homage to plaid (tartan in the UK) and that cool fifties music that’s all about love, love lost and catching falling stars, are a pleasure and the performances slick, funny and at times unexpectedly moving.
The four young actors take on the mantle of long time friends, struggling together to find a little success for their band, filled with faith in their ability and lacking any cynicism. Graham Weaver, Joe Allen, Steven Craven and Anthony Williamson all bound onto the stage with verve and keep that verve flowing all night.
With stylish pre-rock and roll tunes and tuxedos full of charm, bedecked with tartan, Forever Plaid is proving another revived Fringe gem, to mark this jewel in the Fringe’s tenth anniversary.
Frankie: Graham Weaver.
Smudge: Anthony Williamson.
Sparky: Joe Allen.
Jinx: Steven Allen.
Director: John Plews.
Designer: Gemma Harris.
Lighting: Howard Hudson.
Musical Director: Ian Brandon.
Choreographer: Racky Plews.
2008-05-29 23:36:59