The Hexagon
Dreamboats and Petticoats brings hits from the 50s and 60s to The Hexagon
Dreamboats and Petticoats tells the story of Norman and Bobby who compete to win a songwriting competition and the affections of Sue and Laura
Natasha Adkins
Updated 09:29, 5 JUN 2014
Dreamboats and Petticoats is at The Hexagon from Monday
Based on a best-selling album of the same name, smash-hit musical Dreamboats and Petticoats features all the hits of the 50s and 60s which are sure to have you dancing in your seat – or in the aisle if you're brave enough.
Written by Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks, famous for creating Birds of a Feather, Dreamboats and Petticoats tells the story of Norman and Bobby who compete to win a songwriting competition and the affections of Sue and Laura.
Natasha Adkins caught up with actor Roger Martin who plays Phil to get the low down ahead of next week's performances at The Hexagon.
What can people expect from the show?
"It's what is referred to as a juke box musical. It features 44 hit songs from the late 50s to the early 60s. It's a wonderful boy-meets-girl story, a feel-good show with fabulous songs. A great night out."
The tour has been around for a while how do you keep the show fresh?
"The show now has a fresh young cast who have taken over from those who had been with the show for a few years. It is a vibrant and exciting bunch of extremely talented actor musicians who bring a terrific zest to the show.
"I have been in the West End with the show for three years and have finally come out on tour."
Tell me a bit about your character.
"My character is the dad of the lead young boy, and also runs the youth club where most of the action takes place. Phil drives the show, in the way that he is the energy or the originator of all the events that take place. It's a great role which has also been played by Tony Christie, Des O'Connor and Mark Wynter."
Who should come and watch Dreamboats and Petticoats?
"Simple. Anybody, because it is such a joyous experience. But... if you were between 10 and 20 during 1960/61, then this is the music and experience of your childhood or teenage years.
"Children and grandchildren of that generation – and people who enjoy 1960s music as 'retro' will love it too. In fact, this music is the birth of rock'n'roll in this country.
"This is a show for all the family. The number of times we see young children getting up on their feet because the music just makes them happy and want to jump about is amazing – and very pleasing. And... so do the older generation."
The show is obviously centred around the rock 'n' roll era, what hit songs are featured?
"At the Hop, Da Doo Ron Ron, Only the Lonely, Dream Lover, Poetry in Motion, The Wanderer, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, C'Mon Everybody, Let's Twist Again, Runaway, Who's Sorry Now?, Let It Be Me and To Know Him Is to Love Him."
As well as the late 50s and early 60s being a great era for music, it is also well known for the fashion. How does the show represent that?
"All the costumes are either authentic 1950s or made by costumiers for the show.
"Along with the haircuts of the day they paint the picture of the times with the petticoats, suede shoes, thin ties, polka dots and, yes... stockings."
Are you looking forward to performing in Reading?
"Yes. For me it's a first, although I've seen other friends perform here. We expect to see an enthusiastic audience hungry for this kind of entertainment."
Have there been any stand-out moments for you on the tour so far?
"A lovely thing happened in Plymouth. A woman in her late sixties, maybe early seventies, insisted that she got up to dance to the music she loved, flanked by her two daughters either side of her.
"She'd had a wonderful trip back through her teenage years, and wasn't going to miss the chance to re-live just a bit of it.
"How do we know? Because as well as seeing them from the stage, they came round to the stage door and told us so.
"It's such a rewarding show to perform, and clearly one that the audiences love."
Dreamboats and Petticoats is at The Hexagon from Monday, June 9, to Saturday, June 14. Shows run at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets start at £26.50. To book call (0118) 960 6060.
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