‘So When It’s Your Wedding Day…’ The Wedding Singer, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 22.03.2017

Having been a part for a week, it was back to Dartford to the Orchard Theatre for Press Night of Musical The Wedding Singer. I was really excited about this particular show, as my favourite West End performer was the leading man!

We took our seats up in the Upper Circle, Row E seats 44 and 45. Our view was fine, even with being to the left, full set seen, and only a table in one of the wedding reception was out of view during one scene only. I would recommend and take these seats again in the auditorium.

The Wedding Singer Musical is based on the 1998 hit film which starred Adam Sandler, and Drew Barrymore. It tells the story of Robbie Hart, a wedding singer in the 1980s, who has his heart broken by his bride to be, having being left at the alter. During his breakdown he meets Julia, a newly engaged waitress to her money driven boyfriend calls upon Robbie to help her plan the wedding of her dreams – in hope to bring back his hope in love, and weddings. Little did they both know that it would end in them falling for each other.

With a hilarious storyline, Wedding Singer is entertainment for all, and had the audience laughing. What I particularly loved was all the references to the classic 80s themes, which you could pick out throughout the show, some were directly given to you, character George a reflection on the lead singer of Culture Club Boy George, and the impersonators at the end such as, Mr T, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper. But there were also the subtle signs such as in the song ‘ Casualty of Love’ where the choreography had some of the classic moves from Michael Jackson’s hit song Thriller. Also they had me hooked in the very beginning with the introduction to the show, which was a reference to Back to the Future where Michael J Fox gets in the DeLorean Time Machine and from 21/03/2017 we are taken back to 1985 with the time board that was used in the machine projected onto the stage. Being my favourite Sci-Fi trilogy that was a great kick start to a great show!  I highly commend the director and Choreography Nick Winston with his direction on telling the story, being uniqueness to an era that the audience could relate upon, and remember.

The Cast tonight were as follows:

Robbie Hart – Jon Robyns

Julia Sullivan – Cassie Compton

Glen Gulia – Ray Quinn

Holly – Roxanne Pallett

Rosie- Ruth Madoc

Sammy – Ashley Emerson

George – Samuel Holmes

Ensemble – Susie Fenwick, Tara Verloop, Paris Green, Erin Bell, Hannah Jay-Allen, Helen Walsh,  Simon Anthony, Eamonn Cox, Mark Pearce, Andrew Carthy, Ainsley Hall-Ricketts, Ryan-Lee Seager.

The casting in this show was spot on, with everyone taking their roles in their stride, or steps for that matter, the Ensemble created various characters and worked well as a team. There dancing skills also great to watch, with each song they performed. Mentions go to Mark Pearce, who brought brilliant comic moments with his various characters on stage, and Tara Overlooks as Linda (Robbie’s ex Fiancé).

The Two well known names of the nights would have been X Factor Finalist, Dancing on Ice winner Ray Quinn, and Emmerdale’s Roxanne Pallett playing Glen, and Holly. Rays take on Glen was perfect portraying the arrogant, money driven, wall street boyfriend to Julia, his song ‘Its All About the Green’ which opened Act 2 with a bang was great to watch, I did not know he could dance like that! Roxanne Pallett was another soap opera casting that proved me wrong, and she looked natural on the stage bringing the role of Holly to life.

Ruth Madoc who played Rosie, Robbie’s Grandmother was such a delight to watch, with the sweetness that we all get from our grandma’s but yet has a the spunk and attitude with her amazing moves – watch out for the dab! And rapping skills you couldn’t miss her on stage! Then there was Robbie’s two right hand men Sammy played by Ashley Emerson, and George played by Samuel Holmes. Samuel take on the ‘Boy George’ role had the audience laughing, I hope someone soon will have his quiche! Ashley’s Sammy also the audience was rooting to win back the heart of Holly even if his approach at times may not have been perfect.

Cassie Compton take of Julia Sullivan was her own, with little snippets of the original creator of the role Drew Barrymore displayed at times. Sweet and innocent her falling for Robbie was displayed beautifully with a voice that is soft and enjoyable to listen to, her duet with Jon Robyns ‘If I Told You’ I could listen to over and over again.

Jon Robyns took on the leading man tonight Robbie Hart, following Adam Sadler in the film version, similar to Cassie he made the part his own. Having seen some reviews prior to my viewing to night it is true what they say that Jon is a triple treat, his acting was spot on, his voice was great, and he could move like no other. He had the audience laughing, but also following him through his story, and hoping that it would get the happy ending Robbie Rightly deserved. Having seen Jon in many different roles in musicals, Robbie Hart is top character, and he really was perfect for the role!

We went away with smiles on our face, as you are guaranteed a great night out when seeing this show. It was also a very special performance as there was a secret proposal on stage at the end – she said yes!! So congratulations to the newly engaged couple, I hope you have great fun in planning your Wedding Day.

The Wedding Singer is playing at the Orchard Theatre up until Saturday 25th March for tickets go Here. It will then embark on its tour over the UK for further information go Here. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks to the Orchard for a brilliant night out! Below are photos from the stage door – Jon Robyns, Samuel Holmes, and Cassie Compton