Last night I got to head back in time to indulge in a little 1960s escapism, to watch the Dreamboats & Petticoats UK Tour at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Now I am a child of the 80’s however that makes my parents children on the 60’s. As such I grew up on this music. It’s part of the fabric and foundation of music, the musical writers of the 60s were pioneers for music as we know it today.
What Is Dreamboats & Petticoats About?
Set in the 60s Laura and Bobby are sweethearts and both have dreams of careers in music, Bobby with his band and Laura with her agent Larry. Larry encourages Laura to move on and agree to a summer season singing in Torquay. However she negotiates for Larry to in return book the band a season at Butlin’s.
Meanwhile Ray is deciding if a career at Vidal Sassoon is for him and Sue is feeling invisible trying to stay young and care for a newborn baby, whilst hubby Norman is still continuing with life as normal.
My Review Of Dreamboats & Petticoats
The storyline in thin, but its not about the story and it doesn’t detract from the show at all! I know that is an odd statement, I mean theatre is about the story right? However Dreamboats and Petticoats isn’t, not really, its so much more than that.
The story is a beautiful, sweet, innocent story of youth and love with comedy elements that had the audience in uproar. However the story also acts as a vessel for an absolutely glorious feel good musical celebration on the 60s. The music is incredible, I took along my mother in law who floated out on a cloud of nostalgia, and I have to say it just felt joyous, I smiled the whole way through.
I am not mentioning any cast members, because all 17 of them were truly incredible, not only did they sing, but many also played instruments, and brilliantly. This added to the whole production, this wasn’t just actors playing an excellent part, it was talented singers and musicians delivering the whole package and it was wonderful. It made every character so endearing.
If I had to choose a favourite I would struggle but Hang on Sloopy, Baby Now That I Found You and Many Mony stood out. Yet not one song failed to have the audience bobbing around it their chairs. It was wonderful to see the joy it brought to others.
Should You Dreamboats & Petticoats?
Yes, if you are a fan of Rock and Roll love songs and all things retro, then go, its all about the music and if you love the music then you will love Dreamboats and Petticoats.
I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review and you cant argue with a little 1960 escapism delivered such a wonderful way, I left wanting to buy a swing dress and learn to play the saxophone.
Where Can You See The Dreamboats & Petticoats 2022 Uk Tour?
Dreamboats & Petticoats is showing Palace Theatre Manchester, Until Sat 19 Mar 2022
And then on tour at the following venues, get tickets here.
- The Alexandra, Birmingham, Mon 21 Mar – Sat 26 Mar 2022
- New Theatre Oxford, Mon 25 Jul – Sat 30 Jul 2022
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 18 Jul – Sat 23 Jul 2022
- New Wimbledon Theatre, Mon 6 Jun – Sat 11 Jun 2022
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Mon 4 Jul – Sat 9 Jul 2022
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