Theatre Review: All The Fun Of The Fair, Darlington Civic Theatre (From The Northern Echo)

Theatre Review: All The Fun Of The Fair, Darlington Civic Theatre

3:43pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Reviews

DAVID ESSEX is responsible for the music and lyrics, as well as starring in this bouncy, enjoyable hit musical, “direct”, as the programme tells us, “from London’s West End”.

The show has enjoyed great success since its debut in 2008 – with good reason.

The songs and the dancing are excellent, with Essex, pictured, generously keeping a low profile to allow the young cast to shine.

Having said that, there’s no doubt his stage presence keeps our focus on him whenever he appears, and he does a nice line in self-deprecating humour.

The story is a straightforward one – daughter of wealthy businessman falls for the boy on the dodgems and, although their love seems genuine, daddy won’t allow it and uses foul means to break the pair up.

The tragic ending does not detract from the life-affirming joy that goes before, especially since the finale features blokes on motorbikes in tight leathers, and a reprise of Here We Are All Together, which makes you want to sing along.

Tim Newman is endearing as Jonny, the orphan boy given shelter by the fairground folk, and he also reveals a powerful singing voice. Barry Bloxham, as the villain Druid, is convincing enough to merit some booing when taking his applause, although David Essex makes a point of shaking his hand to demonstrate he’s only acting.

The show is an allsinging, all-dancing family entertainment, and that’s getting to be quite a rarity these days.

• Until Saturday. Box office 01325-486555 and online darlingtonarts.co.uk