Dreamboats and Petticoats – Theatre Cymru, Llandudno
Writers: Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran
Director: Bob Thomson
Reviewer: Iris Beaumont
The Public Reviews Rating: 
Dreamboats and Petticoats is set in the early sixties at a time when society is becoming much more Rock and Roll, and the nations youth are rebelling against all the restrictions that have been placed on them in the past. They wear tight fitting skirts, bright colours and denim, all these are at the height of fashion, and Cliff Richard is one of the best selling artists in the music charts. Everything is changing to accommodate this new modern world, everything that is apart from the course of true love, that will never run smoothly nor will it ever change.
The story follows Bobby the local youth leaders son, he is 17 has his head in the clouds and dreams of becoming a famous musician and being the boyfriend of the fiery redhead Sue. It also focus’s on Bobby’s bestfriend Ray and his girlfriend Donna, but as with all love storys there always seems to be a spanner in the works and this comes in the form of Laura the quiet unassuming baby sister of Ray.
Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran this musical has panache, glitz, and teenage tantrums, all portrayed to us through the use of over 40 songs, (these are available on the CD’s) the whole musical was energetically performed.
Bobby played by David Ribi gave an outstanding performance, his voice and acting ability will see this young man going far. Laura (Samantha Dorrance) Ray (Josh Little) Sue (Katie Birtill) and Phil (Graeme Henderson) all deserve a special mention in this review for their roles, they were played with vigour and shone the whole time on stage.
The Set was minimalist and adapted easily for each scene designed by Sean Cavanaugh it was helped by the lighting design of Mark Howett. Attention to the finer details was obvious and was second to none the costumes were so authentic using leather jackets, pencil skirts and polka dots. Even the hairstyles were right for the time with the quiff and backcombed bouffant.
Bob Thomson has directed a fantastic show and one that is already a hit amongst musical theatre lovers, although this show has a very watery storyline the music from some of the greatest rock and roll stars that ever lived like, The big Bopper, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard and the performances of all the cast along with the energetic dancing make sure this show will continue to please the crowds and draw them in.
Dreamboats and Petticoats runs until Saturday 6 August 2011
Dreamboats and Petticoats – Theatre Cymru, Llandudno,
Tags: David Ribi, Graeme Henderson, Josh Little, Katie Birtill, Laurence Marks, Llandudno, Maurice Gran, Samantha Dorrance, Sean Cavanaugh, Theatre Cymru
