Review of Jersey Boys at The Bristol Hippodrome
Posted on: 2015-05-28
Our rating:
This show deserves all of the accolades it has received in both London and New York. I was blown away by the production, staging and immersive atmosphere that the cast created.
Finally, Jersey Boys has arrived in Bristol and is showing at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 13th June 2015. Buy tickets here.
Having only heard some of their music, never seen the film nor read the book, I was eagerly awaiting attending this show with fresh eyes and a keen ear. Being a keen theatre go-er, I was expecting to be walking out of the theatre with the same impression that other West End and Broadway shows have left on me. Oh what a night…. I was not disappointed!
The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons blew me away. I imagine it would be difficult to get across, in a stage show, just how big the Four Seasons were and how everything changed for them with one song. The way this Des McAnuff’s production has managed to convey the magnitude of hype around the band in post-rock-and-roll New Jersey in the 1960's was impressive to say the least.
The show starts slowly on the wrong side of New Jersey. The story taking you through the trials and tribulations of these four men coming to fame and the songs which made them famous. These songs absolutely made the show! What an amazing collection of Pop hits. I would have enjoyed hearing a little more of each song within the show, having enjoyed other musicals such as Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You - you can’t beat listening to the full song and have a good sing along but the number of hits included was amazing.
It’s hard to imagine Tim Driesen (Frankie) in any other role. Vocally, he was born for this role, his projection when speaking could have been better but overall was an incredible performance. The remainder of the cast for the performance were fantastic and very believable. I was blown away by the production, staging and immersive atmosphere that the cast created.
The set itself and props used were very simple and scene changes were seamless. The narration during set changes made them very discreet and the simple costume changes easily depicted changes in time. The incorporation of Pop art, being quintessentially 60’s American, themed back drops was very appropriate for the era and along with the costumes helped strengthen the context created throughout the performance.
This show deserves all of the accolades it has received in both London and New York. A big thanks as well to the venue staff who often don't get a mention! All at the Bristol Hippodrome were very helpful and made for a pleasant evening.
5/5
Reviewed by Casey Jane Chatman for www.365bristol.com - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
