On LoveLondonLoveCulture, Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for the revival of screen-to-stage musical Saturday Night Fever, based on the John Travolta film. It’s now running at London’s Peacock Theatre until 26 March 2022.
The Guardian: *** “Richard Winsor brings his own qualities to the role of Tony Manero, a brilliant dancer stuck working in a paint shop in 70s Brooklyn. Winsor’s Manero comes across as a thoroughly nice and painfully vulnerable young man. The scenes at home with Manero’s abusive father (Phillip Aiden) lend depth to a production that can feel stuck halfway between a hen night extravaganza and something much darker and more considered.”
The Reviews Hub: *** “It’s a fumble that feels more like a shock-and-awe campaign in the context of 2022 and lacks commentary, care, and construction over the course of the show to be able to redeem such a moment. As the final minutes of Saturday Night Fever descend into a surreal crowd-pleasing Bee Gee megamix, it’s hard not to feel the whiplash of the show’s darker moments.”
Londonist: *** “The combination of full-throttle megahits from a live band and three Bee Gee-like singers and the high-energy set pieces make this often highly enjoyable viewing. Having said that, the action doesn’t always flow smoothly, the dance moves become repetitive towards the end and the dips in tempo can be frustrating.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Saturday Night Fever has a feel good/night out enjoyment factor quite different to the film, but well worth experiencing. Whether you’re a disco fan, a Bee Gees fan, a Strictly Fan, or just want a night of testosterone-fuelled dancing, head for the Peacock Theatre. You won’t be disappointed.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Bill Kenwright’s slick staging loses some of the grit of the film, and the dance numbers tend to be more presentational and synchronised rather than sweaty, organic clubbing, but, to its credit, the show sticks with the story’s dark subject matter. In the dramatic second half, it grapples with sexual assault, racism, domestic abuse, and suicide, and interestingly subverts our expectations around the big set-pieces like the dance competition.”
REVIEW ROUND-UP: What are critics saying about the current production of screen-to-stage musical #SaturdayNightFever? @LoveLdnLoveCul gathers the verdicts. @BKL_Productions revival is running at @Sadlers_Wells’ Peacock Theatre til 26 Mar. #musicals #theatrereviews #LondonTheatre
