Theatre Review: Jersey Boys - Trafalgar Theatre, London ✭✭✭✭

Jersey Boys

Trafalgar Theatre

18 August 2021: It's been a long time since I stepped into a theatre to see a show due to COVID, over eighteen months or there abouts, so it was lovely to be back in an auditorium to see theatre re-opening to audiences again. The Trafalgar Theatre has been refurbished since my last visit, I remember it as a couple of studio spaces, and the new refurb is a welcome addition to the West End.

I last saw Jersey Boys around nine years ago at the Prince Edward Theatre, and back then I loved the show, so I was looking forward to seeing it again after so many years, and I wasn't disappointed.

The first thing that hits you is the industrial looking set design from Klara Zieglerova, it works well interjecting various video throughout along with many flown pieces for the different scenes. Beautifully lit by Howell Binkley with a sound design to match from Steve Canyon Kennedy, the music arrangements whether they are underscoring or being performed as a big number sound just right, not too loud or quiet and the vocals can be heard nicely in the venue.

Speaking of vocals, my word can this cast belt out a tune or two! The falsetto of Ben Joyce's Frankie Valli is quite remarkable, the energy and passion of his performance is outstanding. The same can be said for Adam Bailey as Bob Guardio, Karl James Wilson (Nick Massi) and Benjamin Yates (Tommy De Vito). When all the Four Lovers/Seasons sing together it is truly magnificent.

The rest of the hard working cast are playing so many characters its hard to keep up with who's who, they all do a grand job indeed. Musical Director Katy Richardson and her wonderful band sound delightful, like I said earlier, the arrangements are great. My Eyes Adored You filling the space sumptuously and Can't Take My Eyes Off You showcases all the brass and performers superbly.

Hats off to all the cast and technical staff for bringing this piece of musical theatre back to the West End, it is a very welcome return and Let's hang On (to What We've Got). Oh What A Night, I'm Beggin' you to get a ticket, maybe grab a Sherry in the interval and ask yourself one question... Who Loves You? Jersey Boys, that's who!

4 stars ✭✭✭✭

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Trafalgar Theatre

14 Whitehall

London SW1A 2DY

Performances:

Between 28 July – 11 September:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm*

*no matinee 29 July & 5 August

13 September onwards:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm with no performance on Tuesday evening