Reviewer: Rachel Foster
Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The show was previously cancelled in January 2022, due to Covid, and has been rescheduled to run in Manchester this autumn instead.
It was worth the wait. Saturday Night Fever hit the floor with a euphoric bang at The Palace Theatre in Manchester on the night I attended.
From the outset, the infamous soundtrack is electrifying and the cast dazzle with fantastic footwork. Transported back to the ’70s, costumes are nylon shirts and skintight flares. A mirrored set recreates the disco scene from the movie and provides a chance to see the dancers from all angles.
Jack Wilcox is a popular choice with the crowd; suitably swaggering as Tony Manero, he has the audience in the palm of his hand from the get-go. Rebekah Bryant plays the haughty Stephanie Mangano who is Manero’s heart’s desire (after himself of course). A great synergy is clear between them and it’s a delight to watch them dance together.
Addressing some of the film’s darker themes, there were other notable performances from Harry Goodson-Bevan – who brought a powerful vulnerability to Bobbie C and Billie Hardy as Annette – whose vocals were also impressive. Additionally, Tony’s older brother, Father Frank Junior was portrayed admirably by Marios Nicolaides.
‘The Bee-Gees,’ played by AJ Jenks, Oliver Thomson and Drew Ferry, are a welcomed addition to the musical. Present throughout the performance, they brought a wonderful dose of authentic ’70s music to the show. And Faizal Jaye as DJ Monty brought boundless energy and powerful vocals that gave a torrent of energy and vibrancy.
With choreography by Bill Deamer superbly polished, ‘You should be Dancing’ by the whole cast was electrifying and ‘Tragedy’ was just mind-blowingly brilliant. Yiota Theo and Anthony Starr brought riveting moves to the stage as Maria and Caesar. Coming second in the dance competition, Manero hands over the 1st prize believing them more deserving. There’s grit, sweat, realism, loss and tears alongside themes of mental health, social status and heartbreak.
This dynamic musical successfully celebrates a youth subculture – where you dance the night away with wilful abandon – while also tackling some trickier themes. And the fast pace of the performance makes it thoroughly engaging from start to finish and impossible to take your eyes and ears away.
-Rachel Foster
Saturday Night Fever runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until 1 October 2022.