‘I Did it My Way…’ Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 14.05.2018
Tonight I back at the orchard for a new kind of musical, I was transported back to the swinging 60s. Located in Las Vegas, I was going to catch a glimpse of what it would have been to see the real Rat Pack in action!
At the start of the 1960s, The Rat Pack led by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were the toast of Las Vegas. They had everyone who was anyone coming to see them, enjoying their jokes but most of all sing some of their finest songs ever written, that we still love today. They also starred together in a series of glamorous Hollywood films, set fashion trends, rubbed shoulders with the US President, politicians and mobsters… but most of all they partied hard as the coolest cats on the planet. Tonight’s viewing showed this so well, that at times you thought you were watching the real thing-or a film playing the real men to then remind yourself it was live theatre. Staying focused on the guys performance rather than focus around a story it was a respectful and loving tribute to some of our most amazing musicians this world had to offer.
The thing also about this juke box musical, it not only just performs the classics that everyone knows and loves, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, That’s Amore, New York, New York, and Mack the Knife, Mr Bojangles – to name a few! But it’s on stage banter that this trio had when performing to an audience, making the audience laugh out loud to some amazing one liners and quick witted jokes. It really lightened the night giving us an excellent entertaining evening out.
All the above wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the performers and they truly were the Rat Pack tonight!
Frank Sinatra-Stephen Triffitt
Sammy Davis Jr-Darren Charles
Dean Martin-Nigel Casey
Ella Fitzgerald -Nicola Emmanuel
Martha Burrell, Connee Burrelli and Burelli Sister Swing-Amelia Adams-Pearce, Joanna Walters, Laura Darton.
Stephen Tiffitt steps into the shows of Frank Sinatra – literally! His persona and voice was a true reflection on the famous swinging singer, he was a joy to watch and you looked forward to every song he performed. This along with his one liners along with Sammy Davis Jr, played by Darren Charles and Dean Martin, Nigel Casey. Nigel Casey for one could not take a step of line, even with his cool drunkness at times! He was very entertaining from the moment he stepped onto the stage and into the light, the audience instantly warmed to him as Dean. Darren Charles at first was lost within the band and some of his songs were missed due to this, however come act 2 he seemed to get his volume along with the other duo he knew how to work the audience, he could also dance on air.
The Rat Pack is a great tribute performance to some amazing singers. It’s perfect for the biggest fans, but also entertaining for those to be introduced to some classic music.
The Rat Pack performs at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 19th May, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK tour, for all information here.
