The pre-show stage setting greeting theatregoers at the Hull New Theatre on Tuesday evening, must rank as the oddest.
It was a line of washing, and I wondered what that could possibly have to do with the production – Greatest Days, the official Take That Musical.
But it’s often the little things that make an impact – and this line of washing was actually blowing in the wind. A clever touch of realism.
And that simple prop came to highlight the mundanity of one of the surviving characters. I say “surviving” as there is a fatality, but my lips are sealed as to who pops their clogs.
It’s 1993, and five 16-year-old schoolgirls are fans of boy band Take That who are enjoying their first UK number 1 hit, Pray.
The five – Rachel (Olivia Hallett), Debbie (Mary Moore), Heather (Kitty Harris), Zoe (Hannah Brown) and Claire (Mari McGinlay) – are beyond excited to learn Debbie has won tickets to see the band, in Manchester.
Missing their transport home from the concert, they manage to cadge a lift on a bus, but get thrown off – with fatal consequences.
Up to this point, the atmosphere had been one of fun and laughter. Take That – played by Kalifa Burton, Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant, Regan Gascoigne and Alexanda O’Reilly – had danced and sung to their (and our) hearts’ content throughout.
Although not trying to mimic the original group’s voices, the five did justice to every song they sang. And their dance moves added an entertaining energy to proceedings, as did the live music played by talented musicians front of stage.
Throughout the show, 15 of Take That’s hit were sung, including A Million Love Songs, Hold Up A Light, Never Forget, Pray, Relight My Fire, The Flood and Greatest Day to name just a few.
The five also acted as scene-changers on a stage that consisted mainly of unadventurous grey staircases with matching blocks used as seating.
Fast forward 25 years and our five teens are now down to four, played by TV actress Jennifer Ellison of Brookside fame, Rachael Marwood, Holly Ashton and Jamie-Rose Monk.
The former friends meet up again after one wins a competition for four people to see Take That in Athens and, in amusing scenes, they rekindle their friendship. But oh, how their lives have changed.
As much as Greatest Days celebrates Take That, for me, the band’s achievements take a back seat to the poignancy arising from events in the lives of the friends.
Bringing his own poignant moments, plus comedy and vulnerability to proceedings, is Jeff (Christopher D Hunt) who, as long-term partner to one of the surviving friends, finally gets to make her his wife.
Giving off a different vibe is Allen Stocks, as Every Dave (bus driver, roadie et al), who made us giggle with his “singing” every time he wearily appeared on stage.
All voices in this talented crew were loud and clear. The finale brought a touch of colour to the grey backdrop with all in bright costumes and those stairs lit up – as were we in the audience.
I assume Hallowe’en was responsible for the theatre being far from full on the night, but those of us in attendance all rose as one to join in with the hit songs sung with gusto by all on stage at the show’s end.
Running until Saturday, November 4th, 2023; 7.30pm nightly with 2.30pm matinees on Thursday, 2nd and Saturday, 4th. Tickets cost from £23. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 31st October 2023
North West End UK Rating: