Stage Review - SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

Saturday Night Fever - Photography by Pamela Raith

⭐⭐⭐⭐

In December 1977, Saturday Night Fever presented the cinema world with the full disco treatment and the film was an instant hit. When screen is adapted to stage the result can often be underwhelming. Director, Bill Kenwright however, gives this musical production a ‘fair crack of the whip’.

Based on the original screenplay and Bee Gee’s soundtrack,Tony Manero (Richard Winsor) resides in a claustrophobic family setting in Southwest Brooklyn. From the confines of working in a paint store by day, Tony is transformed on the dance floor by night and gets all the attention from the guys and the girls alike.

There are not many layers to the story other than Tony has his mind set on winning a Disco dancing prize. In the lead up to the competition he drops his dance partner, Annette (Natasha Firth) after his head is turned by the mysterious, Stephanie (Olivia Fines). Tony, somewhat frustratingly falls for her, but Stephanie is sharp-tongued and aloof. Tony is distracted by the girl, the prize, and by his older brother’s sudden homecoming. The family dynamics are changing and Tony is neglecting his job and his friends…Bobby C (Will Luckett) in particular, who is experiencing a personal crisis and is desperate for Tony’s support.

Of course, what really hits the bull’s-eye are the choreographed scenes and those hit songs with musicians playing live accompaniment. With Jake Byrom, Danny Knott and James Kenneth Haughan as Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb on vocals and Faizal Jaye as D J Monty injecting that extra vibe and energy. ‘Salsation’ is a great foot tapping number with fabulous trumpet playing by Eikel Hernandez.

Many cruise-line song and dance performers make up the cast - trained in performing arts, musical theatre and the like originally. Therefore, the unified groovin’ and the paired dance sequences are enjoyable watching. Winsor himself, doesn’t appear to have a real passion for the disco beat, though it is obvious that he is a dancing professional and an accomplished actor. His performance throughout is demanding and physical. He, and Fines are wonderful, especially in hold and when the ballet steps and the ballroom shaping comes into play.

Olivia Fines (Stephanie ) and Richard Winsor (Tony) in Saturday Night Fever -Pamela Raith Photography

Sometimes it would be interesting to see how performers would rate their audiences, rather than the other way round. A group of three or four women on a night out thought it okay to make bawdy comments that could be overheard, and to sing along at quiet times when inappropriate to do so, and to shout out too, disrecpecting all the patrons seated around them and the performers on stage. This wasn't club night, girls - it was a night at the theatre with performers putting on their best side and people wanting to enjoy the show without being subjected to such peurile behaviour! 

To some degree then an evening slightly marred but know that this is a tight production and one to be recommended. Act One is the more disco uplifting such as: Stayin' Alive, Disco Inferno and You Should be Dancing. The slower numbers reflect the mood changes connected to the story plot of Act Two and include More Than a Woman and How Deep is Your Love.

**ENDS**

Review is by theatre critic, Debra Hall who attended press night of Saturday Night Fever at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 7.30 pm

The cast of Saturday Night Fever - Pamela Raith Photography