The Wedding Singer at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review
Reviewed by Lorna Templeton
The Wedding Singer is one of the best-loved films of the 90s. Its feel-good love story and 80s nostalgia were always going to make it an ideal stage show, and this touring production didn’t disappoint.
The story of the unlucky-in-love wedding singer and waitress was performed with a lot of charm and fun. The songs were mostly original compositions, and were hugely catchy and fun, although the lack of the wonderful 80s pop classics that were a highlight in the film was a shame. A more recognisable pop soundtrack would be the step up the show needs to become one of the great musicals of this generation. But the talented cast performed the material with style and enthusiasm.
The supporting characters of Sammy, George and Holly were given more prominence than the film and it was a very welcome change, the friendships between the characters gave the show its heart and made you really care what happened to them all. Jon Robyns was a charismatic Robbie Hart and Cassie Compton played Julia with just the right amount of sweetness, and showcased her wonderful singing voice. The standout performance had to be Ray Quinn as Glen Gulia. A well-known face on TV in recent years, Ray seemed completely at home on the stage, and his scenes lit up the show. Despite playing the villain, the audience were left always wanting to see more of him, it would have been nice to see his excellent singing and dancing more throughout the show. Ruth Madoc was a great sport as grandmother Rosie and gave the audience lots of laughs.
It was the kind of show where everyone left the theatre with a smile on their faces, humming a song, and isn’t that what seeing a musical is all about? Great fun and well worth seeing.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £16.50 to £69.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Wedding Singer is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow from 18-22 April 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/kings or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
