Tristan Bates 2 – 20 May. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
A live TV reunion of a singing duo who haven’t spoken since their divorce 5 years ago. What could possibly go wrong?!
It’s 1968, and America’s Swingin’ Sweethearts, Pete Bartel and Keely Stevens, just can’t quite stick to the script in this celebration of their career and their barbs and bickering escalate as the musical numbers keep coming.
This wonderfully arch and charming musical celebrates and spoofs those cheesy crooners from the 1950s and 60s, with catchy original music by Patrick Brady and some ridiculously entertaining arrangements of old standards that will have you howling with laughter. David Bardsley’s rendition of “Fever” is hysterical, and spot on in its creepily sad attempt at seductiveness – taking you back to 1970s Saturday night TV. *shudder* The story of their career is presented with relentless pace, interspersed with ad breaks where the arguments build brilliantly. The re-enactment of Pete ‘n’ Keely’s attempt to break Broadway is phenomenal, with the characters showing their awareness that they are performing dross to fantastic comic effect. The clever and witty writing reveals the issues that ended their marriage slowly and sensitively, giving these cartoon like characters depth and soul. You start wishing for a happy ending about five minutes into the show, and the unrelenting charm of Matthew Gould’s production will just keep you grinning all night.
Emily Bestow’s set design is colourful and bright, evoking TV shows of the era and the three-piece band are full of energy. The cast are simply amazing. David Bardsley is brilliant as Pete, styling it out in the worst wig you’ll ever see. He has one hell of a voice and is perfect as the faded and jaded star. Katie Kerr is a fantastic comic actor, and fizzles with energy as Keely. Her voice compliments Bardsley’s and it’s easy to believe that they’ve been singing together for years.
Pete ‘n’ Keely is a nostalgic and uplifting romp through the 50s and 60s with a feel-good factor that is off the charts. A little gem of a musical.