Reminders of what pop-culture was like in the 1980s have been vibrating through the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne this week, as a very large cast from The Broadway Players – Junior Troupe, performed “Jukebox Musical”, Back to the 80’s.
The musical is a lively show (think Grease meets High School Musical) of song and dance, surrounding a flimsy story of the goings-on within the William Ocean High School. It is very much a musical for older children, as the main characters are all supposed to be 17 year olds graduating from High School – and therein lies a problem.
The members of the junior troupe of the Broadway Players are, almost entirely, below that age – with some appearing to be as low as five or six, which, although cute, doesn’t really help the suspension of disbelief that is needed to enjoy a really good theatrical experience.
Back to the 80s, is narrated by an older version of Corey, looking back at his senior year at his American High School, and reminiscing about the pains and pleasures of that time. After failing to win election as Student President, the younger Corey Palmer (Ben Evans) must watch as newly-elected President Michael Feldman (Archie Williams) steals his beloved Tiffany (Callie Tyrrell), and his idea for a famine-relief fundraiser, and then has to negotiate the year through to the Senior Prom.
Michael’s cruel treatment of new arrival Eileen (Olivia Sorrell-Fleet) eventually lead to Corey and Tiffany being reunited. Corey is aided and abetted by friends Alf and Kirk (Connor Orr and Kai Carson-Melbourne) whilst Tiffany has to deal with the advice that comes from Cyndi, Mel and Kim (Lucie-Beth Setters, Millie Jupp and Michalina Guzicka). Watching over all the antics, while also having dramas of their own, are teachers, Ms Brannigan and Mr Cocker (Cat Houston and Josh South).
If I wanted to pick individual highlights they would be Ms Setters’ rendition of Material Girl, Mr Evans and Ms Houston’s duet of Total Eclipse of the Heart and the tremendous performances by MD Michelle Radley, Drummer – James Court, Keyboardist – Max Salisbury and Guitarist – Harry Court, throughout the show.
Some of the songs are tough to sing, and, at times, this very young cast struggle but, overall, it works. Undoubtedly, however, the show was stolen by Lewis Daynes as supernerd Feargal, together with his followers Laura and Debbie (Lydia Joseph and Hannah Richards). Their characterisations were brilliantly played and they never let up for a minute. Their song, Video Killed the Radio Star, was very good indeed.
*** Three Stars
