A THEATRE in Bracknell is set to be transported back to the decade of disco as Boogie Nights: The 70s Musical comes to town.
East Berkshire Operatic Society (EBOS) will be bringing the toe-tapping, hip-rolling, finger-clicking show to South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre this week, but audiences are being urged to get their tickets booked early as it may well sell out.
Originally premiering in late 1997, the Jon Conway-written musical debuted in the West End in 1998 to rave reviews. During the original run, Shane Ritchie starred as the central character Roddy, and many might recall the incredible concert tour production of the show in 2013, which featured The Osmonds, Gareth Gates, Chico and Shane Ritchie Jr, amongst many other famous faces.
Set in 1977, the musical follows the life of Roddy O’Neill, a Jack-the-Lad who dreams of becoming a rock star and spends a lot of his time at the local nightclub, Boogie Nights! His long suffering girlfriend Debs, has her own thoughts… which boil down to Roddy being a selfish, arrogant, heartless pig. Their best friends, Trish and Terry, have been there through all of it, and know just what’s going on. But, deep down, Roddy loves Debs, and Debs love Roddy, but is their love enough to push past Roddy’s roving eve, and his desire for fame, and will they both finally find what they are searching for?
Featuring more than 25 hits from the 1970s, including Boogie Wonderland, You Sexy Thing, I Will Survive and a very interesting take on Y.M.C.A, EBOS are stretching their dancing abilities, as well as their flared trousers, to the limit.
James Lole, Director of the production, said: “This production has been a pleasure to direct from the start; the whole team have had a whale of a time in rehearsals. The show combines the music of so many iconic disco hits of the 70s with a great story of love, following your dreams, heartache, reconciliation and high energy dance. The script is both hilariously funny and very touching in equal measure.
“The Wilde Theatre will be transformed into the ‘Boogie Nights’ nightclub and we will get the party started even before the show begins-so be there early! We certainly won’t be surprised if the audience is dancing with us in the aisles; in fact we encourage it! So, dust off your platform shoes, raid your wardrobe for those flared trousers and tank tops you thought you’d never wear again and boogie on down to South Hill Park for a night you will not forget.”
Boogie Nights: The 70s Musical is at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park from Tuesday, May 9 to Saturday, May 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 for Tuesday or Saturday matinee, £18 Wednesday to Saturday evenings. To book visit www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01344 484 123.
