Theatre Review: Dreamgirls at MK Theatre
Rating: ★★★★★
In Summary
Genre: Musical
Running Dates: 25th Jan - 5th Feb
Where to see it: MK Theatre (UK Tour)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Keywords: musical, racial issues, 60s
Content Warnings: racial issues, drug addiction
The Review
The glitz, the glamour, the showbiz. It’s what you expect from a show about three singers trying to find fame in the 60s – especially when you’ve watched the film adaptation with Beyoncé. And, dressed up to the nines on the front row with a prosecco in hand, it’s exactly what we got.
For those new to the story of Dreamgirls, it follows the journey of three ambitious vocalists in an R’n’B group fighting for fame in the fast-rolling 60s. They face the racism that was rife in the music industry, the evolving barriers for women, and the ruthless nature of climbing to the charts. Think The Supremes and The Shirelles, and you’ll get a good idea of the style that this fantastical musical is going for.
Yet, intertwined in these cultural 60s themes are timeless moments of love, loss, and betrayal. With all the glitz, glamour, and showbiz, there’s a great story riddled with deep sadness.
There are moments when you feel your heart break with Effie, played by Sharlene Hector, especially as she sings the famous And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going. And moments when you can’t help but wriggle in your seat and belly laugh when Jimmy, played by Brandon Lee Sears, jives his way through the stage with his great wit. Both actors were the stand-out performers of this particular show.
As for the overall performance, the standing ovations say it all. We leaped from our seats to applause at multiple opportunities. Sophie, who’d seen Dreamgirls in the West End, recalls that it’s just like its famous London show and that Sharlene Hector is the best Effie.
It’s a show for all lovers of soul, 60s fashion, and vocals that soar right through you. The perfect night out with your friends.
The Round Up
See if: You love soul, R’n’B and disco – and especially if you want a birthday treat (it just so happened to be Charlotte’s birthday the next day)!
Similar to: Hairspray – for that amazing stage energy!
Reviewed by Charlotte and Sophie
Photography by Matt Crockett
Dreamgirls will be running at MK Theatre until Saturday 5th Feb, and tickets can be bought over on their website. You can find out where else they’re touring over on the Dreamgirls website.
Disclaimer: Tickets were given in return for a review.