Saturday Night Fever

Spectacular, mesmerising and pulsating are just three words that describe the London, stage version of ‘Saturday Night Fever’. Who can forget the white suit John Travolta so famously wore in the original 1977, film version? Well, the suit is back as the cast deliver a spellbinding and unprecedented performance.

Currently being executed night after night at the Victoria Apollo Theatre, the musical, tells the story of Tony Monero, a teenager from Brooklyn, New York, who works for a D.I.Y store during the day but by night hits the local disco with friends, where he is ‘King of the dance floor’ and sets the place alight with his incredible moves. His flamboyant dancing and confidence impress fellow dancer called Stephanie and together they agree to partner one another in a competition. Stephanie resists Tony’s endless clumsy attempts to woo her into bed as they rehearse. Helping each other to aspire to greater and things.

Choreographed and directed by Arlene Philips, (more renound perhaps for her hard-core and ruthless judging on ‘Strictly Dance Fever’ and Strictly Come Dancing’) who really does deserve every accolade possible and praise for this production. The dancing is high energy and the sequences are immaculately timed, original, varied, and leaves the audience breathless just from watching.

‘Saturday Night Fever’ has something for everyone, whether you are a ‘Bee Gees’ fan or merely an admirer of 70’s music and style. The music has been taken and adapted from the original soundtrack and includes the songs- ‘Night Fever’, ‘Staying Alive’, ‘More than a Woman’ and ‘Jive Talkin’. Special mention goes to the leads; Stephane Anellie (Monero) and Rebecca Dent (last year’s winner of Channel 4’s Musicality) for their strong, good technical voices, which really helped the show reach another level. Often, the singing in musicals is raucous, nasal and over the top, but not in ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ where they have managed to sing naturally without the need to over ‘Americanise’ the sound.

There is nothing negative to say about this musical. In a time where London and the Theatreland is brimming with musicals and plays, this one is a must see. No where else in London are you likely to see men in tight black trouser and women in low cuts outfits, strutting, twisting and wiggling their way through the funky hits of the late 70’s.