42nd Street (UK Tour) – Review

42nd Street UK Tour: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

18th July 2023

★★★★

This brand new production of the original showbiz musical 42nd Street is currently touring the UK and wowing audiences with incredible dance numbers and a whole host of iconic songs including ‘42nd Street’, ‘We’re In the Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle Off To Buffalo’,  and ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’. The plot follows the story of a young, fresh actress and dancer; Peggy Sawyer who is just another face in the chorus line. However, when the leading lady gets injured Peggy gets a chance of the stardom that she’s always dreamt of.

Choreographed Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer, 42nd Street is a timeless fairy tale that combines outstanding tap dance routines, classic romance and hilarious comedy. Despite missing the iconic step sequence, the choreography is exciting and fast paced. The numbers are performed extremely well by the talented cast members with the large tap numbers being particularly memorable. The speed and technicality of the dance numbers makes the audience exhausted just watching them and yet the cast seem to take it all in their stride.

Nicole-Lily Baisden simply excels as Peggy Sawyer. Her dancing is exquisite and the enthusiasm and passion as Peggy shown throughout the show is excellent. Vocally, she is strong and her duet ‘About A Quarter To Nine‘ is well performed. Samantha Womack’s vocals impress as Dorothy Brock but at times she does not give enough emotion to the role particularly during the romantic scenes with Pat Denning. Michael Praed’s Julian Marsh is exactly as you’d want the character to be portrayed – strong, commanding and yet still showing a gentle and caring side. Sam Lips is an accomplished dancer and his vocals are strong and powerful. Faye Tozer is excellent as Maggie Jones. Her character is funny and caring and Tozer’s stage presence is good. Unfortunately, Les Dennis seems weak during the musical numbers and tends to fade into the background. As always, 42nd Street is really about the ensemble and this cast does not disappoint. They are all extremely talented with Sarah-Marie Maxwell and Aimee Hodnett particularly standing out.

The costumes by Robert Jones are beautiful, dazzling and bright. They would easily take pride of place on the West End Stage and truly bring the show to life. The details are splendid and each piece is well-crafted and fitting with the era. Lighting, by Ben Cracknell, works well and is bright and colourful during the second half. Set designer Robert Jones has worked hard to ensure that this touring production has the same quality feel as any London show and for the most part this pays off. The set pieces are well made and help set the scene. The use of projections (Jon Driscoll) works well to set the scene and the multi-layered set helps add dynamic.

42nd Street is a classic show with many fans throughout the generations. With its stunning costumes and outstanding dancing it continues to be a firm favourite with theatre goers. Whilst the plot may not be the most engaging, it is a story of perseverance and showbusiness. So dig out those tap shoes and head on down to Broadway’s 42nd Street.

42nd Street is playing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury until the 22nd July. For information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson