Come Dancing Review

Overall Rating

At a great first night where the best of Ray Davies songwriting married with the joyous enthusiasm of the Stratford Theatre Royal company and its unique atmosphere. Don't miss this event.
Ray nervously comes on stage to open the musical and narrate a personal story which the cast then take on to act and sing to a wonderful and entertaining show. A particularly strong second half and finale.This is a show that could easily transfer to the West End and be adapted to accommodate Ray not being there, so dont miss this special opportunity to get the full works.

There was a difference in singing style between Ray and the theatrical cast in that his is personal concert delivery and the cast was strong chorus musical theatrical delivery However the musical is special because of the link between songwriter on stage and polished Musical performers with good acting

The songs and music, which are all new apart from Come Dancing, are well matched to a strong story but do not all follow the snappy witty observational quality Ray is known for. There is a delicate blend of different styles to contrast the change in feel that the passage of popular music took from late fifties to Sixties popular and the change to a Dancehall and the people. There is one set that flows into the audience and makes you feel close enough to reach out and touch the performers and be a part of there joy and passion in the Iford Palais rather than just a watcher from afar.