Thursday, 11 June 2015

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Sunderland Empire



A Classy Comedy Hit At The Empire

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical
Sunderland Empire
Tuesday 9th – Saturday 13th June 2015

Michael Praed As Lawrence
Noel Sullivan As Freddy
Carley Stenson As Christine
Mark Benton As Andre

Directed & Choreographed
By The Tony Award Winning
& Olivier Nominated
Jerry Mitchell

Based upon the 80s hit comedy movie starring Steve Martin and Michael Cain, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a fabulous barrel of laughs. Direct from the West End, the show is a wonderful night out.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - The Musical is set on the French Riveria and con men Lawrence and Andre work together fleecing rich people. Their moral compass feels that they are giving people what they want as they suggest that they will feel good by donating money to various sob stories and bogus causes.

The situation rapidly changes when Freddy appears on the scene. He is young, keen, brash and wanting in on the action.  Lawrence sets the young upstart a challenge, the loser of which has to go home. Freddy agrees that they should try to fleece hotel guest Christine for 50 000 euros to win the bet.

The casting for this musical treat is superb. The star from TV’s Robin Hood Michael Praed is great as the sophisticated Lawrence. He is also a talented singer who makes easy work of the shows big numbers. Mark Benton, best known from Waterloo Road delivers many laughs as the side kick Andre. Mark connects with the audience and gives them plenty to smile about.

Noel Sullivan is pehaps best known as a member of the pop group Hear'Say but he is now making a name for himself in musicals. After roles in Rock of Ages and We Will Rock You, he seems very comfortable on stage as the young con man Freddy. Noel seems to enjoy the audience reaction to the many physical jokes that he finds himself in.

Carley Stenson, who has appeared in her long running role as Steph in Hollyoakes is delightful as the subject of the bet Christine.

Mention should also be given to Phoebe Coupe who had a big production number as rich oil target Jolene. Her song Oklahoma? was a great highlight from the first half.

The large scale nature of the set design regular slots into place without a pause in the action. The ensemble sing and dance superbly leaving a lavish and beautiful impression. Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell has done a great job.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels big, bright and classy. This bold show oozes confidence and is highly entertaining.



This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

On The Web:

Tickets:
Tickets available in person at the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3022* or booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies. 
Groups of 10+ should call 0844 871 3042
*Booking fee applies

On Tour

Sunderland Empire Tuesday 9 June – Saturday 13 June

King’s Theatre, Glasgow Tuesday 23 June – Saturday 4 July

Liverpool Empire Theatre Tuesday 7 July – Saturday 18 July

Princess Theatre, Torquay Tuesday 21 July – Saturday 25 July

Regent Theatre, Stoke Tuesday 28 July – Saturday 1 August

New Theatre, Oxford Tuesday 4 August – Saturday 8 August


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