Review: Tonight's The Night (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Tonight's The Night (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 3rd March 2014

On paper a musical about a guy who strikes a deal with the Devil which results in him trading his soul for Rod Stewart's so he can find the courage to declare his love for the woman of his dreams appears a little odd… and let me assure you that on stage it is equally as strange! However, when Ben Elton sat down to write Tonight's The Night he wasn't attempting to create a hard hitting, stunningly beautiful, thought provoking piece of theatre (well - at least I hope not). Tonight's The Night is the perfect excuse to dust off your sailor hat and relive the terrific music of Rod Stewart.

Tonight's The Night may not appeal to more traditional theatre lovers, but it has its place. Like We Will Rock You, Tonight's The Night attracts different and new audiences to the theatre which can only be a good thing. From start to finish the entire piece is overly sexual and in your face. Ben Elton's script is very ‘Ben Elton’... there are some terrible moments, but I couldn't help but laugh. The story has been constructed to contain as many Rod Stewart references and lead-ins to musical numbers as possible. 

The cast give incredible vocal performances; the show seemed to be turned up a notch during the second act. Ben Heathcote gives his all as Stuart, the power in Jenna Lee-James' (Mary) voice is remarkable and Tiffany Graves makes quite an impression as Satan and Baby Jane. 

The two stand out performances come from Sugababe Jade Ewen who graces the stage with natural charm as Dee Dee and Andy Rees (Rocky) who provides one of the highlights with a smooth rendition of 'I Don't Want To Talk About It'. People are often quick to jump to conclusions when celebrities are cast in shows, but Jade proves everyone deserves a chance. She was the cast member I couldn't get enough of, her rendition of 'What Am I Gonna Do' was so peaceful and soulfully stunning, she has bucket loads of natural talent. Let's hope this is the first of many post-Sugababe stage roles for Jade!

The people of Aylesbury seemed to love Tonight's The Night, whooping, cheering and swaying out of time throughout the show. I was particularly impressed/taken by surprise when sailor hats were whipped out during 'Sailing'! Of course the cast belt out a showstoppingly brilliant finale, leaving everybody buzzing and uplifted.

It's not Shakespeare, it's not the next Les Mis or Wicked, but Tonight's The Night provides an electrifyingly fun night out for Rod Stewart lovers.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Tonight's The Night runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 8th March. The show then tours until August 2014 (including stops at the New Wimbledon Theatre 17th - 22nd March & Milton Keynes Theatre 21st - 26th April). 

Please visit www.tonightsthenightontour.co.uk for tour dates, further information and tickets.

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