Get Out More.................................Theatre Review

SHOUT (Birmingham Alexandra, until Sat)

08-05-2008

Blimey, this one’s proving popular. Here’s our second review in two days of this swinging 60’s singalong starring Clare Sweeney, and Vicki Pollard’s older sister, Su. Terry Wills dances in the aisles.

The Swinging 60’s. The era spawning unforgettable memories for a generation surrounded by the sights, sounds, freedom of expression, and social revolution, that a few years earlier would have been considered totally inappropriate and completely unacceptable.

‘Shout’ has no storyline as such. Three impressionable young women, Ruby, Georgina, and Betty, are joined by frustrated Yvonne (married over 20 years and who can hardly believe the changes going on around her) ruefully reflecting on the advent of Girl Power now sweeping the Country.

They make their entrance in London backed by the first of many hit song chart topping numbers that nearly 50 years on are immediately recognisable and lead to the audience ‘silently’ joining in the opening chorus of. ‘Downtown’.

The scene is set, literally. Nostalgic memories abound. Images of Carnaby Street. The advent of ‘outrageous fashion spearheaded by ‘eye twitching, tut tut', murmurings at the sight of the mini skirt revolution led by Twiggy and outrageous Mary Quaint designs.

Enter ‘The Man’ played by Howard Jones announcing ‘It’s 1960’ (reprised up to 1969) let Nostalgia rule OK!

It does. Hit song after hit song. ‘Wishin’ and Hoping’-‘Colour my World- Don’t sleep in the Subway’-‘Big Spender’-‘I don’t know what to do with Myself’ and to end Act One ‘Let’s Twist Again’ accompanied by the humorous sight of ‘The Man’ disappearing into the audience clutching a box of Chocolate.

Why…? “Just because the lady loves Milk Tray”!

‘Shout’ while being described as ‘The New Swinging 60’s Musical’ is in truth a vehicle that allows audiences to wallow in nostalgia. Forget a storyline - it matters not.

As the years flash before the eyes we see and hear fleeting images of England Winning the World Cup. Man landing on the Moon. Top of the Pops. Michael Caine, and Alfie (a humorous portrayal by Howard Jones).

The leading role of Ruby is played by Claire Sweeney who since coming to the fore in Brookside has blossomed into a genuine leading lady climaxed by capturing starring role in West End productions Guys and Dolls and Chicago.

She exudes confidence and personality and together with Shona White and Donna Steele, playing Betty and Georgina respectively, they provide a hugely enjoyable nights entertainment.

What did come as a surprise was the performance of ever popular Sue Pollard playing Yvonne. Best known for her role in ‘Hi De Hi! her rendition of ‘You don’t have to say you love me’ virtually bought the house down while she was also blessed with the witty sardonic comments that mirrored her bewilderment at the envious changes going on and yet were sadly passing her by.

The First Night (elderly!) audience reaction summed up the success of ‘Shout’.

Long before the end they were on their feet joining in songs that had transported them back into an different era.

The title song plus ‘Little by Little’ ‘Alfie’ ‘Who am I’ ‘The Boat that I Row’ ‘These boots are made for Walking’ Those were the Days’ and a final reprise when a combinedmMedley left the crowd cheering, clapping, and ‘screaming’ for ‘more’.

The one slight drawback for me was the ‘early’ sound quality. At times it appeared tinny meaning some of Sue Pollard’s witty observations were difficult to hear. A view shared by other patrons as they left reluctantly left the theatre.

However that’s a minor criticism. If you’re ‘old’ enough to remember the ‘Swinging 60’s this has to be the show for you. (How many ‘Stirrer’ readers collected Green Shield Stamps!)

But if you don’t fall into this age bracket but can’t help wonder why this age still holds such a total fascination for we ‘oldies’ then here’s a perfect opportunity to see for yourself what it was all about. (Alfie!).

Shout runs until Saturday. Tickets from www.alexandratheatre.org.uk or via Ticketmaster 0844 847 2294