In less than a month the timeless musical Life Could Be A Dream will make its UK premiere at Romford’s Brookside Theatre.
Based on an American award winning production of the same name, the show tells the feel good story of Denny and the Dreamers in the ‘50s, a ragtag band of pals intent on winning a singing contest they hope will propel them to stardom.
The Recorder was able to catch up with the cast, before it comes to the venue in Eastern Road, on September 5.
Whilst a trip back half a century might give some viewers dizziness, Olivia May Roebuck, 23, who plays the band’s coach Lois, relishes a blast from the past.
“It’s not bizarre to work on past periods,” she says.
“We’ve all worked on productions from the ‘20s, ‘40s, ‘60s.”
This time the focus is very much on the score.
“I’m a big fan of the music from that era,” says co-star Adam Morgan.
The head bopping soundtrack, which includes such hits as Unchained Melody, The Wanderer, and Tears on My Pillow, is sure to get the audience’s hearts swelling with nostalgia.
“I definitely expect the audience to recognise these songs,” says Olivia.
“The show is the music. It’s effectively a song made into a story.”
Whilst a side splitting, light-hearted romp on the face of things, the story also touches on deeper themes and topics.
“Compared to now there was more of a focus on class back then,” continues Olivia, alluding to the plot’s barrier crossing relationships.
The lively play will provide merry viewing for all ages, be they youngsters visiting the theatre for the first time or those old enough to remember the songs when they were released.
This is the show’s first outing in the UK and the cast are excited.
“It’s refreshing to breathe life into a new musical and means we’re able to put our own unique stamp on it,” Olivia adds.
Life Could Be A Dream is showing between Tuesday September 5 and Saturday September 9 at Brookside Theatre, Eastern Road, Romford.
Tickets can be bought from thelittleboxoffice.com/brookside/event/view/669 or by calling 01708 755775.
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