Random West End Show Review - 42nd Street

So here we have the first musical review for 2018 and its a pretty bright an spectacular one at that. Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes as well as the 1933 film of the same name, we have a musical about the making of another musical known as Pretty Lady and the highs and lows about such a thing. There is tap dancing, lots of lights, some comedy and drama and a lot of fun to be had. So there is pretty much a lot for almost everyone to enjoy. So let's get right to it:

The year is 1933 and auditions for Julian Marsh's (played by Tom Lister) Pretty Lady have almost come to a close. But when a girl from Allentown, Pennsylvania named Peggy Sawyer (played by Clare Halse) comes to audition with the lead tenor Billy Lawlor (played by Stuart Neal) noticing her and doing whatever he can to get her a part which leads her into bumping into the director. Meanwhile despite being passed her prime, Dorothy Black (played by Sheena Easton) is cast into the musical in the hopes that the production crew can get financial backing from her wealthy beau. This of course leads into a chain of events that sees Peggy become star much to the annoyance of Dorothy.

Its a good show. The production value of it looks very big as its full of lights and spectacular moments while adding some drama and comedy for good measure. Its a lot of fun and full of laughs while also giving us a glimpse into the making of big shows such as Pretty Lady. Great fun all around. 9/10