All Or Nothing, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review
It was like a scene from Quadrophenia as a line of stunning mopeds greeted guests as The Small Faces musical opened at Wolverhampton Grand last night.
The aptly-named All Or Nothing play tells the tale of the highs and lows of the band’s frontman Steve Marriott, illustrated by a series of tremendously-performed numbers, brilliant acting and excellent vocals.
The role of Small Faces singer and guitarist Steve was taken on in two forms: Samuel Pope played the young mod in his heyday, while Eastenders and The Bill star Chris Simmons took on the role of the older, seemingly alcohol-dependant Steve.
And these pair were undoubtedly the stars of the show - Samuel for his awesome stage presence and phenomenal vocals; and Chris for his incredible (and at times heart-wrenching) acting.
If you don’t know a great deal about the history of The Small Faces, it is a bittersweet tale of tenacity, rebellion, creativity, egotism and betrayal. And it is as powerful, tear-provoking and emotional, as it is humorous, lively and filled with toe-tapping hits.
From relatable, witty arguments at home between the lads and their parents, to the band meeting Sonny and Cher, a comical impression of BBC presenter Tony Blackburn, and even a gorgeous performance from Melissa Brown-Taylor as RnB angel PP Arnold; the crowd is transported back to the 60s with such accuracy and flair, that it becomes almost mesmerising at times. This was especially the case when the band played on stage, surrounded by beautiful dancers and obsessive fans.
The play begins with the formation of the group - each of the musicians young tearaways, desperate to dress differently to their fathers and create something new when it came to music.
They then form The Small Faces; climbing their way from the East End of London backstreets, to performing on TV shows such as Juke Box Jury, Thank Your Lucky Stars, Ready Steady Go! and, eventually, Top Of The Pops - where Steve’s behaviour actually got the group banned from the BBC.
After achieving their very first number one in 1966 with All Or Nothing, the band is bombarded with screaming fans, perpetual parties and gruelling work hours. Downsides which are always part of the job - that is, until they discover they are being seriously ripped off by manager Don Arden, known back then as the Al Capone of pop.
After being forced to record songs they believed made them laughing stocks in the eyes of other musicians, the band splits with Arden, increases their drug taking and teams up with Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
But egos and partying soon get in the way, and the band begins to self destruct.
After this, the play becomes heart-wrenching and sorrowful; illustrated to perfection by Chris Simmons, who took on the part of the boozing, angry older Steve - a character change which led to the star’s demise.
The audience even travels with Steve beyond the grave, witnessing a fictional conversation the tortured soul may have had with his traumatised mother. His mum was played brilliantly by playwright Carol Harrison - who looked remarkably like Barbara Windsor when made up with thick black eyeliner and a beehive on stage.
A wonderful, emotional play with a tremendous cast - who were incredibly talented in every way. Superb.
All Or Nothing will also be at the Grand this evening and tomorrow night.
