Happy Days at the Sheffield Lyceum Review
Happy Days
Sheffield Lyceum
17–22 February 2014
Reviewed by Laura Bown
We arrived at the Sheffield Lyceum, not really sure what to expect. Happy Days is not a show I would normally go and see, but I do fondly remember the TV series from my childhood. But the show really did prove that Happy Days are here again!
The Lyceum is a beautiful Edwardian theatre, set in the centre of Sheffield. As always the staff at the Lyceum were helpful, I was particularly impressed that we weren’t charging an arm and a leg for a couple of soft drinks. It was also very easy to order our interval drinks. I must mention that the staff were very helpful to some of the other guests on our row, who had guide dogs.
We took our seats (which I must note were very comfortable with great leg room) and settled down for the show. After a welcome from the show’s producer, Amy Anzel, it was time for the show to begin.
The show has all the iconic elements from the TV series. Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli (played by Emmerdale’s Ben Freeman), Arnolds, The Cunningham’s, Joanie and Chachi. The TV series theme tune is evident throughout, along with all of the other great songs which have been penned for the show.
The young cast gave a brilliant performance, with very lively dance routines. Cheryl Baker as Marion Cunningham was excellent. The other star of the show is Heidi Range who plays Pinky Tuscadero, she really can sing! There were a few moments of dodgy American accents, which did make me giggle.
The story is based on saving ‘Arnolds’ from developers, and follows the trials and tribulations of the characters. As the audience follow the story they are immersed in 50’s nostalgia. I’m not entirely sure that the story is strong enough, it seemed to lose its way at times, I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I enjoyed the show anyway. The set is extremely clever in the way it transforms, the lighting and sound very good, all be it a little loud at times.
By the end of the show I found myself singing along, the show was extremely entertaining and a great way to spend an evening.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £19 to £34 (plus transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the Box Office on 0114 249 6000.
Happy Days is on tour until 5 July 2014. For more information visit www.happydaysthemusical.com.
