Garrick Theatre – until 2 June 2019
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
With headliners Jay McGuiness, Aston Merrygold, Harry Judd and Louis Smith, Rip It Up is guaranteed to get bums on seats. From loyal fans of their pop careers to Strictly lovers, there’s something for everyone here. It’s a fun and energetic show but has major problems with its structure.
Presented as a corny 1960s TV show, hosted by the fantastic Cavin Cornwall, the music and dancing are lots of fun. But the use of video clips and talking heads just kills the energy. I am sure that Lulu and Tony Blackburn had a lovely time in the 60s, but they really aren’t needed here. The inclusion of the clips made the show feel like one of those schedule filling “Best of” programmes on Channel 5 that you could watch at home for free rather than hefty West End prices.
With scenes named Bubble Gum Britain, A Soul Explosion and The Sound of a Mersey Beat, there is a fantastic choice of music, played by the onstage band with powerful vocals from Jill Marie Cooper and Sam Hosier. Gareth Walker’s choreography plays to the 4 men’s strengths, throwing in plenty of dance styles learned during their time on Strictly, but it does feel a little shoehorned. The guys give it heir all, whether in solo or group routines, but having male backing dancers might have been a mistake, as this just highlights how much the headliners are concentrating on their moves rather than just dancing. The female dancers are excellent and do their best to make the stars look good. Aston Merrygold is the most naturally talented dancer of the group and looks the most at home on stage, while Jay McGuiness relaxes into his routines as the show progresses. Louis Smith wows the crowd with his gymnastics, and Harry Judd gets his shirt off but looks happiest when he gets to drum. McGuiness and Merrygold also sing a few numbers during the show, and Louis Smith has a go as well.
The strange and often baffling mix of dance styles can’t stop the wave of nostalgic joy in the theatre, as the audience join in with most numbers. A fun and fluffy night out that your mum will love.