Marble Arch Theatre
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The jazz bar feel was further encouraged with an audience conga to the bar at the end of the first act, and poor, unsuspecting individuals being dragged on to stage at various junctures. Foot tapping is also encouraged. This is all great, until the enthusiastic (and out of time) tappings of the individuals behind you begin to make the ground beneath you shake...throughout the entire show.
Although this can be forgiven, as it was almost impossible not to move whilst watching the stunning, energy-intense choreography and listening to incredibly catchy tunes performed with unwavering commitment and gusto from the cast. Throughout the show the 'five guys' ; Big Moe, Little Moe, Eat Moe, Know Moe and Four-Eyed Moe, played by Horace Oliver, Idriss Kargbo, Emile Ruddock, Dex Lee and Ian Carlyle respectively, barely had time to breathe and were almost never still. They always looked like they were having a blast, so it was impossible not to have one with them!
The story is of Nomax whose girlfriend has left him. Whilst seeking comfort from drinking he is suddenly joined by the 5 Guys who miraculously appear from an old radio he is listening to. They then give him advice through singing jazz legend Louis Jordan's hit songs.
The cast were fantastic. Two particularly memorable solos for me were 'Azure-Te' sung by Ian Carlyle and 'Don't Let the Sun Catch you Crying ' sung by Emile Ruddock (who was also superb at tapping!) Edward Baruwa as Nomax had a wonderful and very powerful voice that struck me every time he sung.
The 'five guys' worked seamlessly as a group, creating beautiful harmonies and giving every song, in fact the whole show, so much life. Four of my favourite songs were 'Safe, Sane and Single' , 'Push Ka Pi Shi Pie' , 'Ain't nobody here but us chickens' and 'Is You or Is You Ain't My Baby'.
The 'five guys' worked seamlessly as a group, creating beautiful harmonies and giving every song, in fact the whole show, so much life. Four of my favourite songs were 'Safe, Sane and Single' , 'Push Ka Pi Shi Pie' , 'Ain't nobody here but us chickens' and 'Is You or Is You Ain't My Baby'.
The lighting design by Philip Gladwell was particularly effective, adding a whole extra dimension to the performance. The stage and set design were equally as impressive, sporting a round rotating belt. It also incorporated the band, so that they weren't just visible, but were actually a feature of the musical, which was so fun, especially during the musical introduction to the second act.
There was absolutely nothing not to love about this production - even my 10 year old brother who is a very reluctant theatre goer, enjoyed every minute and even joined the conga line! It got a full audience standing ovation on the night I went and I'm sure it will every night going forward ... "Everybody had a Real Good Time"!
The £15 tickets on the side are really good and you get a free program!!!