Review: 42nd Street at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
West End stars, Marti Webb and Dave Willetts invited audiences to 'Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet' last night, as UK Productions' sparkling Broadway smash, 42nd Street tap danced its way into the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
From the opening scene with the team of incredibly well-drilled hoofers, to the moment the curtain falls, this spectacular production simply oozes glamour and glitz. There's no expense spared either, with stunning sets and costumes covered with sequins and feathers galore.
Marti Webb as Dorothy Brock is every inch a star, with impeccable vocals and an exquisite portrayal of an actress struggling to accept her career is at an end, while Dave Willetts' performance as Julian Marsh has strength and style.
Jessica Punch is perfectly cast as Peggy, but it really is the troupe of incredible tap dancers who completely steal the show, with their impressive technique and remarkable timing, executing breath-taking choreography by Graeme Henderson to perfection.
Of course it is tempting to join in with the classics – Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle Off to Buffalo and the title song – but the atmosphere in the theatre became electric as the eagerly awaited We're In The Money scene finally arrived, where the dancers tap on top of huge dimes in what must surely be one of the greatest tap routines every performed. No disappointments there!
Exceptional
It is an exceptional vehicle to showcase the talents of true musical theatre performers and 42nd Street is a must for fans of song and dance, but this extravaganza will also convert theatregoers who usually prefer something a little more subtle.
Without a doubt, it is one of the best productions at the Grand this year, performed by an incomparable cast who never miss a beat. The show runs until Saturday.
