After the freezing cold week we've all had, we could do with a summer in the city.
This sunny jukebox musical is the perfect tonic to warm us all up. It's staged by Katie and John Plews' Ovation production company, who have built a terrific reputation for first class, joyous and fun musicals.
Their latest is no exception. Starting in 1965, five young people meet in a Carnaby Street coffee bar run by Hetty (the ever-beaming Helen Goldwyn) Part entrepreneur, part seamstress and part agony aunt, she serves up hot drinks and advice to aspirant youngsters from various parts of the country, with different backgrounds and dreams.
They have each been drawn to Swinging London and are determined to make those dreams happen.
American Sam (the excellent Connor Arnold) works as a waiter but has his heart set on a musical career. He falls in love with Cassie (Candis Butler Jones – a remarkable young talent) who, with Meter Maid Vera (the chirpy Elizabeth Walker) and young journalist Joanna (the fantastically talented Eliza Shea) form an all-girl group called the Vixens.
They are joined by budding Liverpudlian photographer (the baby faced Harry Curley) who claims to know John, Paul, George and Ringo – but, back then, so did everyone!
The dialogue is littered with references to 60s politics, personalities and events. Although the audience was drawn from all age groups, there were plenty who were getting misty eyed and nostalgic.
It takes the Vixens nearly two years to break-through and along the way they perform some of the era's classic songs: their renditions I’m a Believer and Hi Ho Silver Lining had an enthusiastic audience waving their arms and singing along.
The production team, including writer Jennifer Selway, director John Plews, and musical supervisor Kevin Oliver Jones have inspired brilliant performances, a song-list to die for, and a perfect family Christmas night out.
Summer in the City runs Upstairs at the Gatehouse Highgate until January 15. https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here