Edinburgh Playhouse – until Saturday 13 May 2107. Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
Opening night at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the production of Dreamboats and Petticoats, who could I expect? The show began with a grandfather and granddaughter reminiscing over his teenage years an old vender and the love of his life (or so he thought).
“Teenage love, Heartbreak and Rock N Roll’………. so the adventure begins.
The story of teenage years in the 1950’s and the group of hopeful rock stars who dream of hitting the big time rehearsing at their local Youth Club and love they find along the way.
Act 1
Exceptional use of songs and music guide you easily through the story of young unacquainted love and the main character’s Bobby, Sue, Laura, Norman, Donna and Ray who all want to noticed by the person of their dreams….
Bobby kicks off the music with ‘Let’s Dance ‘ as he tries out for lead singer in the band and he is successful for all of five minutes when the overly confident and somewhat arrogant Norman makes his appearance and charms not only the ladies but also the group with his vocals, singing ‘The Wanderer’ . A disheartened Bobby is unaware of the effect he has on Laura who watches from the sidelines dancing and cheering him on … why because he only has eyes for Sue.
Sue however has set her sights on Norman and goes out of her way to get noticed with her flirtatious dance moves…. but Norman is not interested. The opportunity to try make Norman jealous arises and although Bobby is not her usual catch, she uses him in her game. The opportunity to enter a songwriting competition presents itself and Laura seizes her opportunity to spend time with Bobby (who subsequently is her brother Rays best friend). Bobby is as proud as punch to have Sue on his arm for the trip to Southend, unaware of her intentions. The day progresses and Sues’s plan works and Norman is won over but things do not go to plan for Sue.
The songs go from strength to strength with hits from the Rock N Roll era that have everyone dancing in their seats and follows the characters highs and lows of unacquainted love, fist fights for the honour of their true love and budding romances.
Act 2
The return of Older Bobby with his granddaughter starts off with him talking about his true love Sue as they are now an item after he fought for her honour during the trip to Southend. Bobby still unaware of the flame Laura carries for him, neglects the time to spend writing for the song competition preferring to be with Sue (who still carries a flame for Norman despite his behaviour). Like all teenage romances there are turbulent times ahead when hormones are raging and urge to grow up and be a man brings Bobby’s romance to a turbulent halt, when he pushes Sue out his bedroom window due to the prompt arrival of his dad. Again the expert timing of songs such as ‘Only the lonely’ has you feeling for Bobby who just doesn’t have much luck in love.
The story begins to focus on what Laura has been doing in preparation for her ‘Sweet Sixteen’ party. A time when 16 was seen as a ‘Coming of Age’ the music has everyone singing along to ‘Happy Birthday Sweet 16’ and ‘Da Do Ron Ron’ songs that everyone knows no matter what your generation. The hearts of our young characters are put through their paces but love conquers all and when Bobby realises how Laura feels about him he realises what a lucky guy he really is and to top it all they enter and win the song writing competition with their version of ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’
I would recommend everyone takes the opportunity and spend the evening watching this fantastic performance which takes you back to the time of Rock N Roll and no matter what generation you belong to this is a feel good show for eveyone