Theatre Review: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (UK Tour) - New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

New Wimbledon Theatre

8th October 2013: Ahhh, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, one of the many classic MGM films in the musical genre which I watched when I was a young 'un, and to this day, I hadn't seen a stage version. So it was great to see this production rolling into town, and was I let down by it? Not at all.

If you don't know the storyline, it's basically about Adam Pontipee (Sam Attwater) who goes into town in search for a bride (yes, back in the day you could get away with such plots in films). He stumbles upon Milly (Helena Blackman), and they agree to marry despite knowing each other for only a few hours. On returning to his cabin in the mountains, Milly is surprised to learn that Adam is one of seven brothers living under the same roof. Well the rest of plot is here so take a look and then come back!

So, how does this stage version fair in this day and age I hear you ask... It does very well indeed. The first thing that hits you in this production is the amount of energy and enthusiasm the very talented cast have. The singing and dancing is spot on from everyone, nothing to fault there at all. The dance numbers are especially pleasing, Patti Colombo and Karl Walden's choreography is a sight to behold at times - somersaults, toe-tapping, axe jumping, a partner-swapping bundle of fun and colour in the main social dance at the end of Act One.

The set on the other hand is not as much to my liking, too many flying cues spoil the fluidity of the show, especially when some of the set collides and flies out at a gingerly pace. The sound quality also leaves a lot to be desired... Vocals were far too loud in contrast to the band, which at times I struggled to hear over the bellowing and sometimes ear-piercing volume from the intricate top notes of female vocals... This spoilt the overall show for me I'm afraid as I did find it uncomfortable to listen to at times - simple fix, turn the band up and the vocals down to balance the two to a nice listening level. The band sounded good in the instrumental dance numbers as they were turned up for these, but they could have been louder for songs such as "Goin' Courtin'" and "Sobbin' Women".

The sound niggles aside though, this production is a feast of loveliness to watch, especially the all singing all dancing cast. Get yourself a ticket and go see the show, you will bless your beautiful hide that you did!

Four stars ✭✭✭✭

Tour Dates

Monday 7 - Saturday 12 October

LONDON

Wimbledon

New Wimbledon Theatre

LONDON

Box Office: 0844 871 7646

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Monday 14 October - Saturday 19 October

Crewe

Lyceum Theatre

Box Office: 01270 368 242

Monday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Monday 21 October - Saturday 26

Manchester

Opera House

Box Office: 0844 871 3018

Monday at 7.45pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

Monday 28 October - Saturday 2 November

Aylesbury

Waterside Theatre

Box office: 0844 871 7607

Monday at 7.45pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Monday 4 -Saturday 9 November  

Cheltenham

Everyman Theatre

Box Office: 01242 572573

Monday at 7.45pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday at 2.00pm

Mondfay 11 - Saturday 16 November

Blackpool

Grand Theatre

Box Office: 01253 290 190

Monday at 8.00pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Monday 18 - Saturday 23 November 

Sunderland

Empire Theatre

Box Office: 0844 871 3022

Monday at 7.45pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November 

Glasgow

King’s Theatre

Box Office: 0844 871 7648

Monday at 7.45pm

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm