Son Of A Preacher Man, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham - review with pictures
Featuring the hits of pop songstress Dusty Springfield, a brand new musical Son of a Preacher Man has arrived at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham this week.
Telling the tale of three strangers drawn to the site of former Soho joint The Preacher Man, the trio played by Diana Vickers, Debra Stephenson and Michael Rowe, hope to seek advice to cure their lonely hearts from ‘The Preacher Man’ himself.
They’re instead greeted with his son played by Ian Reddington, who with the help from the Cappuccino Sisters, seeks to channel the spirit of The Preacher Man to give the lovesick strangers The Look of Love
Directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood, the show had a feel good factor to it and featured some of Springfield’s most popular songs including ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, ‘Nowhere To Run’, ‘Spooky’ and of course the title track ‘Son of a Preacher Man’.
Former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers has successfully made the transition into musical theatre following stints in BIG the Musical and The Rocky Horror Show, and the show allowed her to highlight her talents; not just as a singer but also as an actress.
Ian Reddington played a fantastic part and, on the rare occasion that he sang, showcased a fantastic singing voice.
In terms of choreography, if you’re expecting big flamboyant dance numbers then this isn’t the show for you. If not for the small cast, then Horwood’s choreography follows the same ideology as musical Sister Act in which many of the actors play instruments on stage throughout the show which restricts movement in terms of dance.
For what it’s worth as a jukebox musical, the show doesn’t disappoint as an entertaining night out, but it’s hardly going to change the face of musical theatre anytime soon.
Son of A Preacher Man runs at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday.
