There's No Business Like Show Business at Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne
Saturday, May 29
Alex and Debbie Adams and their marvellous Royal Hippodrome team came up with a dazzling musical spectacle, There's No Business Like Show Business, to celebrate the long-awaited return of live theatre.
This magical experience presented music genres through the years in an uplifting evening's entertainment.
A cast of local professionals, headed by charismatic comedy host Grant Martins, provided excellent vocals, dance routines and humour to mark the theatre's re-opening with a wonderful, socially distanced production.
The multi-talented Grant and Alex Adams worked off each other so well in Me and My Shadow and We're In The Money after kicking off the evening by leading the company in the title song.
Barney and Paula Pout, who have performed for many years as Duality and are appearing this summer in 'Sunday Night Live' at the Hippodrome along with their band The Rhythm Crew, also showed great chemistry.
They were hilarious as a bickering couple in Goody Goody, and shone again in Me and My Girl, as did Thomas Hackett, Star Bray and Company with The Lambeth Walk from the same hit show.
Vivacious Laura Sivers and the girls wowed us with Why Do Fools Fall In Love, while Laura and Star Bray gave a great rendition of The Rose. Nick Hollands also oozed confidence and earned prolonged applause with What A Wonderful World.
Other fine performances were given by Sarah Baker, Vicky Potter, Eliza Hackett and Darcie Bennett.
There's No Business Like Show Business was brilliantly produced by Alex and Debbie Adams, with Alex also the director and Debbie the choreographer.
Other vital contributions were made by stage manager Stuart French, lighting designer Megan Stanfield and sound designer Nick Todd.
It was the Hippodrome's first show since December last year. With the help of Arts Council grants during a very difficult 18 months, the theatre staff have carried out a huge amount of work.
Meticulous planning of backstage and front of house arrangements make the venue Covid secure, along with refurbishment, upgrading and improvement.
An extended version of There's No Business Like Show Business will hopefully return in the summer.
It would be a lovely bonus if they can add another show-stopper such as I Dreamed A Dream or All I Ask Of You.
Tony Flood
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