Terry Wills dons his white suit for the latest bout of Saturday Night Fever.
Anyone who experienced or even just remembers the 1970’s disco scene will automatically associate the phenomenon with Saturday Night Fever in general and its star, John Travolta, in particular.
Almost forty years later it’s back, via a new UK theatre tour with live music encompassing the hit songs from the Bee Gees and others, performed by young talented musicians and dancers There’s Jive Talking, You Should Be Dancing, More than a Woman, Stayin’ Alive and, of course, Night Fever.
The story revolves Tony Manero (Danny Bayne), one of a dysfunctional family. He’s stuck in a run of the mill, no prospects job and has one obsession – to win a $5,000 dance competition. Needing a partner he teams up with Annette (Bethany Lindsell) but secretly he realises that Stephanie (Naomi Slights) is not only a more accomplished dancer but also one that could change his love ’em and leave ’em attitude to women.
This relationship, against a background of gang warfare, sets the scene. Who will be his partner? Can they win. There’s a dark side to the story with gang violence, injury and tragedy all rearing their heads. Despite suffering injury Tony insists on carrying on, so desperate is his need to win the life-changing prize. But when the judges
announce the names of the winning couple Tony’s reaction is one that nobody expected.
Whatever your views of the disco era it cannot be denied that Saturday Night Fever has cemented itself in dancing history. This is never more obvious than when watching the vibrant, fantastic choreography set against the fondly remembered music of the Brothers Gibb. All the young cast, musicians and dancers alike, play their parts to perfection but none more so than Danny Byrne and Naomi Slights.
John Travolta couldn’t have bettered the dancing, perfect synchronisation on a inventive illuminated set that transforms from a home environment, to workplace, and dance floor in a twinkling of an eye.
As in many such retrospective musicals Saturday Night Fever is one to be enjoyed.It does have a certain amount of crude dialogue (which was removed from the original screen version) but that aside it’s one that allows memories of the music to be fondly remembered.
A final word on Danny Bayne. He recently returned from touring the USA with the show to critical acclaim. Based on this performance I’ll be amazed if there are many, if any, different opinions during this extensive UK tour.
Saturday Night Fever is at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 21st May. Tickets: www.atgtickets.com/