It is a delightfully simple premise. Manc lads find themselves auditioning for a Take That tribute act in order to better themselves. Ash - the talent - is in it to raise funds to save his mum’s pub. Best mate Jake is there for a laugh. Adrian, a shy banker, signs up to prove something to his domineering partner. From Seville, Jose finds his way to the Northwest because, “anyone can become a popstar in England, right?” And ‘Dirty’ Harry wants to be a dancer, not a stripper. Taken under the wing of veteran manager, Ron, the motley crew start rehearsing and plotting their course for, “World! Ruddy! Domination!”
At their first live outing, Ash is spotted by beautiful but hard-as-nails impresario, Annie, who sets about turning his head. He leaves the band, has a one-night stand with his manipulative mentor and loses his fiancée, Chloe. All things are resolved when, seeing the error of his ways - that loved ones come before fame and fortune – he reunites with his mates and girlfriend to win a Battle of the Tribute Bands contest.
Story-wise, it is nothing that hasn’t already been done a million times before. But as a piece of West End theatre – from whence this show hails – few work any better. Throughout, it is joint-wrenchingly energetic for singers and dancers alike. The number of knee supports on show bearing testament.
With the narrative bouncing along at break-neck speed on the back of set-piece songs from the Take That canon, the dancing is superb, the singing is great, but it is the comic acting that makes the show and writing exceptional. It is laugh-out-loud funny. All cast members have their moments. But Jose, played by Scott Garnham – all cod-English, Spanish-isms and ‘my mother used to say’ wisdom – just about steals a show that is already fantastico.
A packed Theatre Royal audience loved every moment. The music is played throughout by a note-perfect live band and I defy anyone not to enjoy what is a right romp. Never Forget is in Nottingham until Saturday night. On this showing, the That – in tribute form or in the flesh – ARE invincible…
Never Forget plays at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October 2009
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