Radio Times – Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Writer: Noel Gay
Director: Caroline Leslie
Reviewer: Sue Dixon
The Public Reviews Rating: 
Radio Times is an utterly delightful and entertaining musical – a toe tapping frolic through a live broadcast variety show from the past. Anyone in the audience of the atmospheric Royal Theatre, Northampton must have felt like a time traveller, transported to a BBC theatre during the blitz whilst the Variety Bandwagon tried to stage a first performance to an American audience.
Radio Times is homage to those who took to the airwaves during the dark days of the Blitz with the aim of keeping morale high. It might not be deep, dark and dramatic but it more than makes up with wit, corny but very funny innuendo, and a hugely talented cast. Songs by the talented Noel Gay, forgotten by some and introduced to younger members of the audience, provided a nostalgic glow and can’t help but bring smiles to anyone’s face. The fabulous and innovative arrangement of Run Rabbit Run is one that springs readily to mind but It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow, I’ll be Seeing You and what must have become a new favourite for many –Who’s been Polishing the Sun.
With half the cast missing and no script, Sammy Shaw, the star of the show, arrives just in time and the hopes to deliver a show to win the hearts of the American people are back on track. We are witness to the trials and tribulations surrounding this show through the uptight, rule- thumping producer, Heathcliffe Bultitude, played brilliantly by John Conroy and the love triangle played out between Sammy Shaw, Olive James and Gary Strong – played by Gary Wilmot, Sara Crowe and Michael Hobbs respectively. Gary Wilmot heads a cast that oozes talent – his own “cheeky chappy” one liners and quick fire gags keeping the audience in the palm of his hand. But all the cast deserve a mention of praise. Their timing was tight, performances suave, extremely funny and charming – with hints of pathos and wistfulness in some musical numbers.
The simple yet authentic set designed by Tom Rogers works really well. It certainly makes you feel you are in the audience of a live broadcast one minute, then moving from dressing room, upstairs theatre areas and into the to live performance again with the simplicity of a stool being turned or a curtain coming down.
The tremendous musicianship of the live band along with the best known Noel Gay songs enhances what is also a decent story line – not always the case with musicals – and slick and polished performance from every member of the cast. Indeed, the combination of music, dance, acting and fast moving choreography makes for a mesmerizing evening.
This is a hidden gem in the work of musicals and deserves much accolade.A guaranteed great night out to give audiences a feel good factor – I would defy anyone not to come out of the theatre singing and grinning from ear to ear.
Runs until Saturday 22 September 2012
Picture: Robert Day
Radio Times - Royal & Derngate, Northampton,
Tags: Amelia Cormack, Caroline Leslie, Ed Currie, Gary Wilmot, Jared Ashe, John Conroy, Noel Gay, Northampton, Radio Times, Rob Copeland, Royal & Derngate, Sara Crowe, Sophie Byrne, The Watermill Theatre, Vivien Carter
11:37 am on September 19th, 2012
I went to see Radio Times yesterday evening as well. And i admit, i didn’t know what to expect. But i was blown away.
It was brilliant! One of the best shows i have seen in recent years. So funny, fast, and moving. With excellent performancs all round. I can’t quite believe that the actors all provided the band for the evening as well -it sounded sublime.
Gary Wilmot, as always was excellent. His one liners suited him down to a tee. And strict Bultitude was played perfectly by John Conroy.
I must admit i was also taken by the beautiful Vivien Carter – who really is fantastic. And Jeeps, the clumsy sound man, played by Christian Edwards was hysterical.
I am recommending this to my family and friends. And am going again on saturday.
Casey Reeve
4:59 pm on September 19th, 2012
We went to see the show last week at Malvern and we too were not sure what to expect. What a fabulous show and Gary Wilmot was superb as were the rest of the cast. The songs were brilliant, especially Run Rabbit Run and Hey, Little Hen. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.
11:48 pm on November 6th, 2012
Just been to Richmond to see this, and was looking forward to hearing ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ and ‘It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow’ but disappointed to find neither song is in the show – mainly because ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ is by Sammy Fain, and ‘It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow’ by Irving Berlin.