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Sinead Long, front left, as Lynette Pomeroy and Georgia Lennon as Paula Pokrifki Picture: Marc Brenner An Officer and a Gentleman Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton ***** A musical, prodigy of the success of the eponymous 1982 film, dominated by the image of Richard Gere in a white naval officer’s uniform. Pre show, some Reagan sound bites are broadcast to transport us into 1980’s mode. He instantly makes more sense than Trump. The film was unashamed romantic, formulaic, schmaltz and a commercial blockbuster. The musical replicates that blueprint. Nostalgic escapism with a musical soundtrack to match. Artistic Director is the all-conquering Nikolai Foster, the talent behind so much of what is produced and popular in UK theatre at the moment. He replicates the film formula, but in the spirit of American Diners, puts on plenty of extra cheese. The original production had its world premiere on May 18, 2012 at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney, Australia but closed only six weeks later, on July 1. A new version of the musical made its premiere at Curve in Leicester in April 2018 before touring the UK. It was directed by Nikolai Foster and used songs from the film's soundtrack including Up Where We Belong. Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Toy Soldiers, Alone, Don't Cry Out Loud , Kids in America, Heart of Glass and Material Girl, as opposed to the original score by Hirsch and Lerner used in the original incarnation. St Elmo’s Fire is somehow transplanted to close the first act. Jon Bon Jovi’s accountant will be pleased to see and hear no less than two of his songs on the roster. In 2024, the Curve production of the musical returned to the UK, again directed by Nikolai Foster, touring nationwide, and opened on February 23 at The Alexandra in Birmingham. The song choice is erratic, how Martika’s song about cocaine addiction, Toy Soldiers, made it into the production is a mystery.
Joanna Goodwin’s choreography is inspired and Michael Taylor’s set works beautifully in utilising a large steel frame on wheels, some outline images and a few pieces of furniture. The scene where the recruits have to scale a wall has the entire audience urging them on. Forty years on the sexual politics feel dated as women try to hook their man as an escape from their humdrum existence - there is no girl power here. For tonight’s performance three understudies climb into the hot seat, something which invariably invigorates a show Luke Baker enjoys bad boy caricature Zack, partnered with Julia Jones as girlfriend Paula and turn on the afterburners for Up where we belong. Mia Harrison stands out as Casey Seegar, determined to be the first woman to fly jets, while Sinead Long’s Lynette excels as a strumpet, taking the Drop on request mantra of the drill sergeant literally. Craig is played by Sam Stones. The audience mainly comprised middle aged women on a girls night out, and they were not disappointed with the fare, giving the show a rousing ovation at the end, enjoying the 80’s music, a romantic yarn, and that lift for Up where we Belong . Finally, a word of praise for the physical programme. It is superbly produced and exhaustively comprehensive. The show continues at the Grand until the 28th then continues on national tour. Gary Longden 23-09-24 |
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