Review: Carnaby Street (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Carnaby Street (UK Tour) 
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 4th September 2013

Carnaby Street is a new sixties musical which follows a working class boy from Liverpool as he secures a record deal and attempts to become a music icon. I previously saw the show earlier this year, just days after it first opened at the Hackney Empire. The show was still a bit of a mess so I was keen to see how the musical had developed over the past few months.

Carnaby Street still takes far too long to go anywhere. The script is terrible, patronising and feels incredibly forced, especially when leading into a song. A few of the jokes are moderately funny, although one joke about the abusive relationship between Ike and Tina Turner is utterly disgusting and distasteful and should be axed immediately. Perhaps the writers should book a theatre trip to see Soul Sister. The story picks up a little in Act Two which makes a nice change from other cheesy sixties musicals (as in something actually happens).

Aaron Sidwell remains strong as Jack, he has fantastic stage presence and does his absolute best with the script. Jonny Bower has replaced Matthew Wycliffe (who has been cast in the West End production of The Commitments) as Jude. Sadly the production misses Matthew as at times Jonny lacks charisma and his vocals are a bit wobbly, especially when singing in his lower register.

The best thing about this show is Tricia Adele-Turner (Jane, pictured left) and Aimie Atkinson (who has also recently joined Carnaby Street as Penny). Somehow the girls manage to perform with sincerity and they both give vocally flawless performances. I hope they both go on to do bigger and better things.

The worst thing about the show was the sound. I was unsure whether the sound operator had ever seen the show before, was half asleep or actually even existed. It was shocking. Microphones were constantly turned up late (several times in every single scene) meaning some lines were missed. The levels were also horrific, some of the cast were extremely loud in scenes while others were quiet. I have never sat through a show with so many sound issues before, and I hope I never have to again.

It's very straight forward, if you love the sixties, you will love Carnaby Street. The show brings almost the entire audience to their feet night after night and certainly recaptures some of the magic from the era (the costumes are quite something). The cast do their best and their energy is hugely infectious. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Carnaby Street runs at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 7th September 2013.
Please visit www.carnabystreetthemusical.com for further information, tour dates and tickets.

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