The Royal Hippodrome Theatre has come up with its best summer variety show for several years in Hooray For Hollywood, which splendidly captures the magic of the movie musicals.
This feel good production features many talented local performers and it’s great to see that several of those who have graduated through Rattonians, particularly Grant Martins and Alex Adams, have developed into polished stars.
Martins shines as a wise-cracking host who achieves a warm rapport with his audience, and both he and Adams excel as song and dance men. Adams also directs and co-produces the show.
He and fellow producer and choreographer Debbie Hackett ensure that the balance and tempo are just right as the energetic cast pay tribute to Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Fred Astaire and many others.
There are stunning solos from Tom Hackett, Star Bray and Laura Sivers, while Grant and Sarah Baker enthral us with Cheek To Cheek.
Trapdoor Productions are joined by Cirque Du Soleil performer Renato Pires, who shows off his skills as a circus artist, comedian and actor. His aerial acrobatic tricks on lengths of silk provide dramatic variety.
It all adds up to a marvellous mix of fun, song and nostalgia.
Four stars
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