THERE’S a highly infectious fever sweeping Coventry this week – and it’s leaving us all somewhat hot under the collar, to say the least.
One of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time, Saturday Night Fever helped to popularise disco music around the globe. And, whatever your generation, it’s accepted that The Bee Gees defined that beat.
It is packed with their greatest hits, including Stayin’ Alive, How Deep is Your Love?, Night Fever, Tragedy, More than a Woman, Boogie Shoes, If I Can’t Have You and You Should Be Dancing. – And you will be!
I defy anyone to stay seated during the rousing closing numbers. Indeed, it was a case of Tuesday Night Fever at the Belgrade’s opening show when the disco vibe left us dancing in the aisles – and then all the way home.
It truly is an unforgettable soundtrack which has lost nothing in its reimagining for the stage, combined with even more music (17 tracks in total), more drama and ‘hot’ new choreography.
Leading man Richard Winsor always had big dance shoes to fill as Tony Manero, a role that, of course, catapulted John Travolta to international stardom. But fill them he does and, akin to witnessing any master of his craft, you’ll be simply mesmerized watching him strut his stuff throughout.
Saturday Night Fever conjures high expectations and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Bill Deamer delivers on all levels.
For those less familiar with the storyline (where have you been?), it follows the journey of Tony Manero as he escapes the harsh realities of working class life in Brooklyn and embarks on a reckless, yet thrilling, road to dance success. This is no flouncy musical as the show explores what it is like to be young broke and trapped in 1970s Brooklyn. And it isn’t always pretty – with misogyny, gang violence, abortion, depression, racism and hints of domestic abuse.
The themes of love, friendship and family are explored with sometimes tragic consequences.
Yet, understandably, it’s still the dancing that most of us remember the movie for. And the same might be said of this stage adaptation, produced by Bill Kenwright.
Early signs seem to suggest that Saturday Night Fever is set to become a hot favourite in Coventry and Warwickshire so grab your glitter ball and make a date. But you need to act fast if you want to strut your stuff on one of the most famous dance floors in the world before it continues on its tour of the country. It plays at The Belgrade Theatre until Saturday and tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 02476 553055, or by visiting: www.belgrade.co.uk
