Review: Happy Days (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Happy Days (UK Tour)

Milton Keynes Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 16th June 2014

Lucy-Jane Adcock and Jason Winter

Having seen Happy Days right at the start of its UK tour five months ago, I was particularly looking forward to seeing how the show has grown and developed over the course of its run.

A bright and cheerful musical, Happy Days is based on the television show of the same name which aired between 1974 and 1984. Set in the 50s, the musical follows the Cunningham family as they battle to save their local diner Arnold’s.

Happy Days is certainly in good, if not better, shape. There is now an extra slickness to proceedings while some performances have grown and settled. It seems director/choreographer Andrew Wright can do no wrong, his choreography remains astoundingly brilliant. The show's design is fantastic for a touring production.

The only problems I have with Happy Days lie with the material and not this production. Second time round I found the storyline dull, I struggled to get into it. There's a difference between a show being light-hearted and bland, and Happy Days verges on becoming bland. As I wrote in my last review, the show doesn't drag as the running time is only just over two hours; however, scenes do occasionally dip.

Editor’s Blog: Playing a cameo role in Happy Days the Musical…

It’s not every day that an email arrives in your inbox inviting you to play a cameo role in a musical, but the feeling I had whilst reading an email asking if I would be interested in playing the Onstage Announcer in Happy Days, a new musical currently touring the UK, felt all too familiar.

Let me explain. Around a year ago I was invited to play a small cameo role, ‘Sir Not Appearing’, in the West End production of Spamalot. All I had to do in Spamalot was literally walk on stage, perform a short head sequence with the rest of the cast, shout “SORRY” and run back into the wings. Simple. However, as the Onstage Announcer in Happy Days I was given a small paragraph to read meaning there would be more opportunity for something to go wrong… terrifying! But I accepted…

Review: Happy Days (UK Tour) at the Churchill Theatre Bromley

Happy Days (UK Tour)

Churchill Theatre Bromley

Reviewed on Thursday 16th January 2014

Too often these days shows open in the West End that simply are not ready, they receive bad reviews, word of mouth becomes awful and then they close prematurely. However, instead of immediately opening in the West End, Happy Days, a new musical based on the American television sitcom created by Garry Marshall, has embarked on a six month UK tour. Whilst the musical's producer, Amy Anzel, has clearly stated her desire for a West End transfer, the creative team now have six months to ensure the show is as good as it could possibly be before any decisions regarding a transfer are made.

Ben Freeman and Cheryl Baker to star in Happy Days UK Tour alongside Heidi Range

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming Happy Days UK Tour. Joining the previously announced Heidi Range as 'Pinky Tuscadero' are Ben Freeman as 'The Fonz' and Cheryl Baker as ‘Mrs Cunningham’.

The cast will also feature: Lucy-Jane Adcock, Charlie Allen, Henry Davis, Ray Gardner, Emma Harrold, Grace Holdstock, Katie Monks, Eddie Myles, James Paterson, Edwin Ray, Sam Robinson, Andrew Waldron, Scott Waugh and Jason Winter.

Open Auditions to be held for Happy Days UK Tour

It has been announced that open auditions are to be held for the UK Tour of Happy Days, a new musical based on the iconic TV series created by Garry Marshall.

Producers are looking for "exciting new young male and female talent for roles and ensemble".

Last month it was revealed that the production will star the Sugababes' longest serving member, Heidi Range as ‘Pinky Tuscadero’, while further "star casting" will be announced shortly. 

Directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright, Happy Days will open at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley in January 2014, before commencing a national tour.

This brand new UK Tour based on the hit TV series features the unforgettable ‘King of Cool’ Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli. Join your favourite ‘50’s family, the Cunninghams and the rest of the gang – Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi as they battle to save their beloved diner Arnold’s from demolition. In a race against time, can everyone's favourite hero 'The Fonz' save the day?

Heidi Range to star in Happy Days UK Tour

It has been announced that Happy Days - A New Musical will receive its UK Premiere when it embarks on a UK Tour next year. The production will star the Sugababes' longest serving member, Heidi Range as ‘Pinky Tuscadero’. 

Directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright, Happy Days will open at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley in January 2014, before commencing a national tour. According to press material, "further star casting will be announced shortly". 

Happy Days is written by Garry Marshall, the legendary creator of the television series. Garry is also the director of many world-wide smash-hit films including Pretty Woman, Beaches and The Princess Diaries 1&2. It includes 21 original songs by Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning Hall of Fame Songwriter, Paul Williams (Bugsy Malone, Evergreen, Rainy Days and Mondays) as well as the much-loved Happy Days theme song from the TV show.

Henry Winkler, the original Fonz from the television series will serve as Creative Consultant, working alongside the director in creating the ‘Happy Days’ world of 1959 America and guiding the cast in creating their ever so familiar characters, especially that of ‘The Fonz’.