The Wedding Singer, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review
It’s an odd feeling when you hear the era in which you considered yourself to be young described as “retro.” It feels as if you are suddenly ancient and that the kids of today see the 1980’s in the same way you would see the 1940’s! But, judging by the audience’s reaction to Nick Winston’s production of The Wedding Singer at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night, it seems the ‘80’s is certainly as popular now as way back then!
Starring the quirky but cute Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore at her most delightful, the 1998 movie version of The Wedding Singer was a massive hit and naturally lent itself to becoming a musical theatre show. This is not a jukebox show however, despite what you may have been led to believe, but a full-on musical theatre production complete with an original score, a witty script and high-energy dance routines.
And, its simple storyline flows evenly in between the songs to offer a modest, but entertaining production.
It’s the tale of Robbie, a New Jersey wedding singer and wannabe rock star, whose usually excitable demeanour hits rock bottom when he is jilted at the alter by the love of his life, Linda. Struggling to get over her and barely existing, Robbie is constantly supported by Julia, a fetching waitress at a wedding venue at which he works. We all know they have fallen for each other way before they realise it of course, but the course of true love never runs smoothly, as Julia is in love with Wall Street banker and all round bad boy, Glen. Can Robbie win Julia’s affections and sweep her off her feet to live happily ever after?
For those expecting the catalogue of 1980’s hits from the film version, the score maybe a little bit of a disappointment, but by musical theatre standards it is upbeat, jaunty and tuneful, delivered by a superb band under the instruction of Sean Green.
The opening number, “It’s Your Wedding Day” perfectly sets the scene for the whole show, while “Saturday Night in the City” completely rocks the end of Act Two.
Ray Quinn as Glen shines in the production number “All About the Green” showing off his dancing skills as well as excellent vocals and the male ensemble and principals execute the comedy number “Single” to perfection, reminding themselves they don’t need a woman in their lives! As if!
Cassie Compton as Julia is engaging and captivating with a pleasant voice, while Ashley Emerson as Sammy and Sam Homes as George are the perfect comedy stooges.
Experience shows and the wonderful Ruth Madoc is hilarious in the role of Robbie’s Grandma Rosie, owning the stage at every entrance, but the evening really belongs to Jon Robyns as Robbie the wedding singer whose exceptional performance is both heart-warming and totally believable. Add to that a great vocal performance and comedic timing and you have the perfect casting.
I have to mention a couple of exceptionally funny cameo roles courtesy of Mark Pearce too, who actually made me laugh out loud at completely the wrong moment! He is one to watch!
The set is simple but effective, relying as so many of the current touring productions do on projected images to depict scenes and reflect time scales, but it runs as smooth as silk and the cast are on top form moving props seamlessly on and off.
Ben Cracknell’s lighting design is distinctive, with star cloths and lasers to take us from romance to rock and roll and Francis O’Connor’s costumes are so authentic that I heard quite a few audience members reminiscing about the contents of their wardrobes! We all liked a pair of lacy leggings and a smattering of sequins back in the ‘80s didn’t we ladies?
The Wedding Singer is first and foremost a love story and an absolute must for all you romantics out there, but it is isn’t the hearts and flowers sort. It’s more a modern take on romance with all the distinctive humour and unconventional characters that a contemporary American musical brings.
For tickets call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk. Runs until Saturday.
