Review: Let's Boogie on down the decades

The cast of Rhythm 'n' Glitz. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rhythm 'N' Glitz
Aubyn Live Theatre, St Aubyn St, Hastings.
November 10 to 19.
Tickets from Denton Wyatt Bookshop
Reviewed by: Keith Russell

From the moment the curtain lifted to introduce the large ensemble the audience was enveloped in the energy on stage.

Then before we knew it had taken us through 40 toe-tapping numbers, lifted from some of the best songs of four decades starting at the 1950s.

Directed and choreographed by Julie Smith, her experience has been put to good use in the dividing of the selections into four distinct groups.

Choral mistress Kayleigh Purvis with her clear trained voice, was a good choice to lead the ensemble in the first number Don't Stop Me Now and they certainly didn't for the rest of the show.

They gave a spirited performance of Bohemian Rhapsody, a difficult song to do well, but no matter Rob Miller soon had us grooving to Y.M.C.A. and showed he has his mojo back later in the show with Great Balls of Fire.

Kasey, Mandy and Mackensie Smith inspired the audience with harmony in their performance of One of Us and followed this up with a great version of Deep Purple.

Charlotte Rameka is a talented mover on stage but showed she also has a pleasant singing voice, which she projected very well to the back of the theatre.

Spencer Bethell looked and sang with enthusiasm with his performance of The Wonder of You however, his best number was when he combined with Miller to give one of the best versions of The Sound of Silence I have heard.

Amelia Perry was well costumed for her performance of Green Door and certainly provided body to the ensemble when they performed Mr Sandman.

Charliot Miller took her opportunities when given and her combination with Larissa Kent of Time After Time was a show highlight.

Looking to the future it was nice to see Anton Hosken moving and singing with purpose or was it, that right behind him was his mother?

Sparkly lights and glitzy costumes were used by the performers to great effect and adding to the ambience was a live band including a set of drums. The drummer has talent and provided excellent rhythm, but please remember this is a small room and you are accompanying un-amplified voices.

Aubyn Live is on to a winner with this show, not only will you leave after sampling some outstanding hospitality, but with many memorable songs buzzing through your head.