Kings Theatre, Glasgow – until 10 August 2019
Reviewed by Siobhan Wilson
4****
This I am giving 4 stars to for the overall viewing pleasure not for the performance. The performance gets a solid 5 Stars!
This show follows a group of hippies who are protesting against war, specifically the Vietnam war. The dynamic relationships within the group are tested by not only the situation but the free love of the 70s. One gent is battling himself on whether to sign up to complete his service or to stay with his friends fighting for ‘love not war’. Not for the faint hearted, the first act especially is pretty sexual and with a substantial amount of nudity so possibly not the best idea to go see this with your Grandmother, although, she could take her friends and I am sure they would love the show as much as I did.
Opening night issues included the show opening 15 minutes late, sound being too loud at times and others the microphones not picking up as well as the theatre bouncers standing about loitering and whispering instead of dealing with the talkers and those attempting to video despite the warnings verbally since you stepped through the front doors of the theatre. But of course, that did not take anything away from an incredible show that I would certainly recommend to my adult friends.
Several of the cast members had voices that gave me goosebumps including Dionne (Aiesha Pease) and Crissy (Kelly Sweeney). The confidence and the voice range of many of the cast was incredible. The lights where like an extra character in the show adding ambiance and dramatic flair throughout. The Band being on stage with the cast really added to the festival vibe that comes from a group of hippies. Braking the barrier between stage and audience really makes you feel like you are there with them living the story.
Claude (Paul Wilkins) is a raw talent and can portray pure emotion with just a look.
I was surprised by how many of the songs I was familiar with despite never seeing this show before.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show and would highly recommend.