It’s 1962 and The Beatles have failed to impress Decca Records, but they’re not the only wannabe pop stars struggling.
Bobby (Alex Beaumont) and Laura (Elizabeth Carter) are finding it hard to repeat the success of first single Dreamboats and Petticoats. When he rejoins former band The Conquests a stupid mistake drives a wedge between the lovebirds and threatens to ruin the band before they’ve even recorded a song.
Meanwhile, Norman (Ross William Wild) has swapped his music dreams for working on the drains, until pregnant wife Sue (Suffolk’s own Louise Olley) convinces him to join The Conquests on tour; a decision she comes to regret. Things aren’t rosy for Ray (David Luke), a successful hairdresser up west and the band’s manager, and neglected girlfriend Donna (Anna Campkin) either.
You don’t need to have seen Dreamboats and Petticoats to enjoy this sequel. A jukebox musical, it’s song heavy with your favourite rock and roll hits from the 1960s strung together by a decent story which is well acted throughout by the whole cast. Listen out for some zingers line-wise, particularly from Donna and Andy (Sheridan Lloyd).
Every note was played and sung live; impressive given the energetic numbers. The band rocked and the few acoustic and a cappella numbers really showed off the cast’s voices.
They deserve a much bigger audience than they got Monday night so get your tickets now - you won’t be disappointed.
Wayne Savage
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