On Sunday 14th September I went along to The Orchard Theatre in Dartford to see Rip it Up The 70s starring Melody Thornton, Louis Smith, Rachel Stevens and Lee Ryan. This is the third in the series of "Rip it Up" shows dedicated to a specific decade of music, and I was looking forward to seeing it.
The set is basic, but effective with fantastic use of projections, showing us adverts from the 70s, talking us through the decade and adding colour and atmosphere for the big numbers. With musicians on stage, as well as an accompanying track throughout, the sound was big, full and just what the audience wanted.
"The music was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and the audience had a brilliant time."
The stars worked hard along with professional dancers to bring an upbeat and celebratory tribute to the 70s and the audience were right behind them, singing and dancing away with audible whoops and cheers, the atmosphere in the theatre was unmistakable.
Louis Smith and Rachel Stevens performed some lovely dances and Lee Ryan performed some popular songs from the decade, despite having a few vocal issues - only a few dates into the tour, I can't help wondering if his voice will last. The stand out performer among the group, however, was Melody Thornton, a former Pussycat Doll. Wow. She was exceptional and gave the show a real lift every time she came on stage. Her vocals were stunning, flawless and skilled and she performed like a true entertainer throughout. She is a real class act and elevated the show to another level, I felt as though she could've carried the entire show solo and I looked forward to her songs.
Another standout performance came from X-Factor's Giovanni Spano, who, although he is not on the posters, or billed as one of the "stars" he ran the show! His vocals were exceptional and along with Melody, stood out as an exceptional vocalist. He was a true delight to watch and we felt as though we were watching a true professional.
Overall, it is a fun and vibrant show and definitely won over the audience. Some performances were stronger than others, but the music was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and the audience had a brilliant time.
The tour is continuing until November, so for a fun and light-hearted night out, give it a try!
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