Bournemouth and Boscombe's Light Opera Company (BBLOC), are a local theatre group who have been wowing audiences since 1954, when they first started doing shows. Each of their shows are performed to an exceptionally high standard, with each show being better then the last. Their latest production of '42nd Street' was an incredible show full of energetic tap dancing, singing and top notch acting. It's a show that has catchy songs, bright lights, amazing costumes and awesome set pieces. '42nd Street', was very enjoyable to watch and the talent of every single person was over the roof.
'42nd Street', follows the story of the rehearsal process of an eagerly-awaited Broadway production. In the first half you are brought from auditions all the way to opening night. Throughout the show, you are following the story of a naturally talented young girl named Peggy Sawyer who is new to showbiz and tries to navigate her way through all of it's complications. Along the way, she becomes friends with some friendly chorus girls who teach her all the tips and tricks on how to do well. During the song 'Go Into Your Dance', Peggy's new friends are telling her that no matter how she's feeling she should just dance it off. For me this show had the best Act I ending ever, leaving the audience on a cliffhanger for the entirety of the interval.
Peggy Sawyer is played by Becky Bagnall who brings sweetness and enthusiasm to the role of Peggy. Her tap dancing and acting was entertaining and her singing was a joy to listen to. With Becky having been an ensemble in recent productions, I loved watching her take on the lead, which she did perfectly. I'm so happy for Becky to have been given the opportunity to play Peggy, as it has been a dream role of hers since she was little.
The role of Dorothy Brock is played by Sally Wheeler who has always been a joy to watch in other productions. She brought sass and comedy to her character and played the character with ease.
I also loved Chloe-Louisa Hughes who played Ann Reilly, (Sawyer's chorus friend).
From the moment the curtain rose my eyes were drawn to her, simply because of her big smile and performance factors. Whenever she was onstage she stood out with her incredible dancing, singing and acting.
Numbers in the show that stood out were 'We're In The Money', and 'Lullaby of Broadway', which was expertly sang by Jonathan Busk who played Director Julian Marsh.
The best number for me which was also a stand out moment was ' There's a Sunny Side to Every Situation', where the members of the cast were singing into their own mirrors about how you can find a positive outcome to any situation. All of the mirrors lit up the whole stage making it very bright and effective.
The show would never be complete without the ensemble who boost the singing and dancing without any flaws. I also want to mention the orchestra which is expertly led by Musical Director Ian Peters. The orchestra produce showstopping music played perfectly for every single production, making each show sound so good.
Director Helen Barrington and the rest of her creative team have once again used their combined talents and efforts to build an exceptional show, one that has wowed and impressed audiences once again and will continue to do so in their future productions.
Speaking of future productions, their next one is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and tickets are on sale now for the show which will take place in May 2025. I can't wait to see what they have in store!
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