Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 22 July. Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
Based on the 1998 smash hit film, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer is embarking on a current UK Tour, which includes a stop at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. Set in the 1980s, the story is about Robbie Hart (Jon Robyns) who sings at weddings. He is ditched by his fiancée, Linda (Paris Green), on their wedding day and subsequently falls in love with Julia (Cassie Compton).
The musical premiered on Broadway in 2006 and was nominated for a Tony Award. The audience is invited to join Robbie’s life journey of emotional ups and down – he is in the company of two friends and bandmates, Sammy (Ashley Emerson) and George (Samuel Holmes) and also Julia (Compton) and her best friend, Holly (Lucie Jones).
With a focus on 1985 there are numerous references from the 1980s and societal issues which were considered taboo then but not today. The hairstyles and clothes (via the costumes) reflect the decade’s fashion and the sets on the stage travels back in time.
The Wedding Singer is packed with show stopping musical numbers, composed by Matthew Sklar and written by Chad Beguelin. These include the catchy pulsating Saturday Night in the City – all set to a disco beat with glittery lighting and smoke. There is the materialistic All About the Green, the liberal Single and the committed Grow Old with You which is sung convincingly at the end by Robyns and Compton.
Robyns and Cassie lead this stellar cast who do an excellent performance under the direction of Nick Winston. A special mention must go to Ruth Madoc, known for her role as Gladys Pugh in Hi-de-Hi. Her presence as Rosie radiates throughout and doesn’t go unnoticed. Her memorable act with George (Holmes) in the rapping Move That Thang in the second act is formidable.
A feel good musical with energetic non-stop action throughout. It is light-hearted with a combination of contemplation and a guaranteed evening of laughter and nostalgia.