REVIEW
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
THE MUSICAL
BASED ON THE HIT 1980s FILM
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea | TUE 16 - SAT 20 JULY 2024
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
THE MUSICAL
BASED ON THE HIT 1980s FILM
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea | TUE 16 - SAT 20 JULY 2024
The touring production of an Officer and a Gentleman has arrived at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion this week, full of 80s nostalgia and based on the film version starring Richard Gere and Deborah Winger. A box office hit at the time and *spoiler alert* anyone who was around at the time will no doubt have memories of the video of the hit song, Up Where We Belong where Gere’s character, Zack Mayo, iconically returns to scoop up Winger’s Paula from her factory job to carry her off into the sunset.
Having not seen the film, I can’t make comparisons but this is most definitely as juke box a musical as they come. With lots of upbeat 80s tunes throughout (22 in all) which somehow merge into the narrative of the storyline following the journey of Zack and the other new recruits at the US Naval Aviation Training facility in Pensacola, Florida; including Sid who has a dead brother’s reputation to live up to. Almost every recruit has a back story and Zack has his own demons to deal with too. The pair hook up with local girls, Paula and Lynette, and their romantic relationships gradually develop as the show progresses.
The storyline is actually pretty gritty and dark in places and, where there is light, there are attempts to inject humour into the piece that is a bit hit and miss.
I often wonder how writers of jukebox musicals pick the songs they use. Do they write the script and then choose the songs or vice versa? Like, ‘Ooh let’s have Livin On A Prayer because then we can have someone with a shot glass on their head in the bar scene and just as they sing ‘we'll give it a shot’ we can get someone to take the shot of their head and drink it at the same time. Genius!’ And ‘let’s stick in Girls just Wanna Have Fun because that’s in pretty much every jukebox musical and always goes down well with audiences. There are some pretty random song choices in this show that don’t particularly seem to fit the subject matter.
Now all that said, you cannot fault the performances from every member of the cast, with every one of them giving 100% throughout alongside some fabulously energetic dance numbers from choreographer, Joanna Goodwin. There are some outstanding vocals from the leads and Luke Baker playing Zack really shows off his stunning vocal range throughout, not least in the Blaze of Glory number. Likewise, Georgia Lennon as Zack's love interest, Paula, is constantly on top of her game and she confidently belts out some powerful vocals in the Alone number.
Some of the performances, it could be noted, are a little OTT but that’s down to Nikolei Foster’s direction, however, Paul French’s character of Sid stood out as being especially well balanced and was probably one of the most believable characterisations of the evening. It made me wonder if this show would be better placed as a straight drama with music as background, as opposed to sung, which would give it the impact needed for a story with such heartfelt connotations.
In any event, you cannot fault the stamina and talent of this cast with some equally impressive supporting roles coming from Jamal Kane Crawford as Sergeant Foley, Sinéad Long playing Lynette and Wendi Harriet and Melanie Masson as the matriarchal factory girls, Aunt Bunny and Esther.
This production is long; Act 1 is 60 mins and Act 2 is 75 mins. If you’re there for the tunes and cheese you won’t be disappointed. This Is a Man's Man's Man's World, Hearts of Fire, Blaze of Glory, I Want to Know What Love Is, Kids in America, Heart of Glass, and You're the Voice are just a handful of the many 80s songs that are sung in this production. Personally I would have preferred to see this made with an original score which would perhaps give it more gravitas and emotional impact, but I guess that wouldn’t sell as many tickets.
An Officer and a Gentleman continues throughout the rest of the week
TICKET INFORMATION
£20 - £62
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
WHEN
Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jul 2024
2.30pm, 8pm
BSL Interpreted: Thu 18 Jul 2024 at 8.00pm
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea
Having not seen the film, I can’t make comparisons but this is most definitely as juke box a musical as they come. With lots of upbeat 80s tunes throughout (22 in all) which somehow merge into the narrative of the storyline following the journey of Zack and the other new recruits at the US Naval Aviation Training facility in Pensacola, Florida; including Sid who has a dead brother’s reputation to live up to. Almost every recruit has a back story and Zack has his own demons to deal with too. The pair hook up with local girls, Paula and Lynette, and their romantic relationships gradually develop as the show progresses.
The storyline is actually pretty gritty and dark in places and, where there is light, there are attempts to inject humour into the piece that is a bit hit and miss.
I often wonder how writers of jukebox musicals pick the songs they use. Do they write the script and then choose the songs or vice versa? Like, ‘Ooh let’s have Livin On A Prayer because then we can have someone with a shot glass on their head in the bar scene and just as they sing ‘we'll give it a shot’ we can get someone to take the shot of their head and drink it at the same time. Genius!’ And ‘let’s stick in Girls just Wanna Have Fun because that’s in pretty much every jukebox musical and always goes down well with audiences. There are some pretty random song choices in this show that don’t particularly seem to fit the subject matter.
Now all that said, you cannot fault the performances from every member of the cast, with every one of them giving 100% throughout alongside some fabulously energetic dance numbers from choreographer, Joanna Goodwin. There are some outstanding vocals from the leads and Luke Baker playing Zack really shows off his stunning vocal range throughout, not least in the Blaze of Glory number. Likewise, Georgia Lennon as Zack's love interest, Paula, is constantly on top of her game and she confidently belts out some powerful vocals in the Alone number.
Some of the performances, it could be noted, are a little OTT but that’s down to Nikolei Foster’s direction, however, Paul French’s character of Sid stood out as being especially well balanced and was probably one of the most believable characterisations of the evening. It made me wonder if this show would be better placed as a straight drama with music as background, as opposed to sung, which would give it the impact needed for a story with such heartfelt connotations.
In any event, you cannot fault the stamina and talent of this cast with some equally impressive supporting roles coming from Jamal Kane Crawford as Sergeant Foley, Sinéad Long playing Lynette and Wendi Harriet and Melanie Masson as the matriarchal factory girls, Aunt Bunny and Esther.
This production is long; Act 1 is 60 mins and Act 2 is 75 mins. If you’re there for the tunes and cheese you won’t be disappointed. This Is a Man's Man's Man's World, Hearts of Fire, Blaze of Glory, I Want to Know What Love Is, Kids in America, Heart of Glass, and You're the Voice are just a handful of the many 80s songs that are sung in this production. Personally I would have preferred to see this made with an original score which would perhaps give it more gravitas and emotional impact, but I guess that wouldn’t sell as many tickets.
An Officer and a Gentleman continues throughout the rest of the week
TICKET INFORMATION
£20 - £62
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
WHEN
Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jul 2024
2.30pm, 8pm
BSL Interpreted: Thu 18 Jul 2024 at 8.00pm
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea
Below: Some of the cast of An Officer and a Gentleman pose outside the Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday
Photo Credit: Kim Tobin Photography
Photo Credit: Kim Tobin Photography
Prepare to be swept off your feet - the Curve production of AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL is returning to the UK! The show opens at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on 23 February 2024 booking through to 16 November 2024. Based on the 1982 film starring Richard Gere, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL has a book by Douglas Day Stewart & Sharleen Cooper Cohen and will be directed by Artistic Director of Curve, Nikolai Foster, with choreography by Joanna Goodwin.
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL is based on the award-winning 80s movie which starred Richard Gere. This timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more. Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds.
With every note, every step, and every heartfelt ballad, immerse yourself in this romantic masterpiece. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and many more, the power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of their extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL invites you into a world where dreams and destinies intertwine. Don't miss your chance to experience this captivating romance brought to life on stage.
Director, Nikolai Foster said: “filled with love and quiet profundity, An Officer and a Gentleman sensitively charts the lives of working class, military folk in America in the early 1980s. We are proud to be working alongside the film’s creator Douglas Day Stewart, producer Jamie Wilson, Sharleen Cooper Cohen and an incredible creative team to present this beautiful and inspiring story. We are excited to share some iconic 80s songs and this moving story with audiences across the UK.”
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL UK Tour will have musical supervision and orchestration by George Dyer, set & costume design by Michael Taylor, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall, wig, hair and make up design by Sam Cox and casting by Debbie O’Brien. This Made at Curve production is produced by Jamie Wilson, Jack Maple, Gavin Kalin and Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Theatre Ventures.
Website: officerandagentlemanthemusical.com
Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: @OfficerGentUK
2024 TOUR SCHEDULE
23 February – 2 March Birmingham Alexandra
www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
5 – 9 March Glasgow Kings Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow
12 – 16 March Belfast Grand Opera House
www.goh.co.uk On sale soon
19 – 23 March Llandudno Venue Cymru 01492 872000
www.venuecymru.co.uk
25 – 30 March Bradford, Alhambra Theatre 01274 432000
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk On sale soon
1 – 6 April London New Wimbledon Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon
15 – 20 April Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
www.wmc.org.uk
23 – 27 April Brighton Theatre Royal
www.atgtickets.com/brighton
30 April – 4 May Manchester Opera House
www.atgtickets.com/manchester
6 – 11 May Stoke Regent Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
13 – 18 May Newcastle Theatre Royal 0191 232 7010
www.theatreroyal.co.uk On sale soon
20 – 25 May Dartford Orchard Theatre 01322 220000
www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
27 May – 1 June Oxford New Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/oxford
4 – 8 June York Grand Opera House
www.atgtickets.com/york
17 – 22 June Sheffield Lyceum 0114 249 6000
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk On sale soon
25 – 29 June Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre 02380 711811
www.mayflower.org.uk
2 – 6 July Torquay Princess Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/torquay
9 – 13 July Canterbury Marlowe 01227 787787
www.marlowetheatre.com
16 – 20 July Southend Cliffs Pavilion
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
22 – 27 July Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
29 July – 3 August Nottingham Theatre Royal 0115 989 5555
trch.co.uk
5 – 10 August Woking New Victoria Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
12 – 17 August Leicester Curve 0116 242 3595
www.curveonline.co.uk
20 – 24 August Truro Hall for Cornwall 01872 262466
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk On sale soon
2 – 7 September Bristol Hippodrome
www.atgtickets.com/bristol
10 – 14 September Ipswich Regent Theatre
www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk On sale soon
17 – 21 September Eastbourne Congress 01323 412 000
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
23 – 28 September Wolverhampton Grand 01902 429212
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
30 September – 5 October Blackpool Opera House
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
8 – 12 October Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre 01224 641122
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com On sale soon
21 – 26 October Milton Keynes Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
28 October – 2 November Bromley Churchill Theatre 0343 310 0020
www.churchilltheatre.co.uk On sale soon
4 – 9 November Hull New Theatre 01482 300 306
www.hulltheatres.co.uk
12 – 16 November Carlisle Sands Centre 0333 33 55055
www.thesandscentre.co.uk
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL is based on the award-winning 80s movie which starred Richard Gere. This timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more. Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds.
With every note, every step, and every heartfelt ballad, immerse yourself in this romantic masterpiece. Set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and many more, the power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of their extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL invites you into a world where dreams and destinies intertwine. Don't miss your chance to experience this captivating romance brought to life on stage.
Director, Nikolai Foster said: “filled with love and quiet profundity, An Officer and a Gentleman sensitively charts the lives of working class, military folk in America in the early 1980s. We are proud to be working alongside the film’s creator Douglas Day Stewart, producer Jamie Wilson, Sharleen Cooper Cohen and an incredible creative team to present this beautiful and inspiring story. We are excited to share some iconic 80s songs and this moving story with audiences across the UK.”
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN THE MUSICAL UK Tour will have musical supervision and orchestration by George Dyer, set & costume design by Michael Taylor, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall, wig, hair and make up design by Sam Cox and casting by Debbie O’Brien. This Made at Curve production is produced by Jamie Wilson, Jack Maple, Gavin Kalin and Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Theatre Ventures.
Website: officerandagentlemanthemusical.com
Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: @OfficerGentUK
2024 TOUR SCHEDULE
23 February – 2 March Birmingham Alexandra
www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
5 – 9 March Glasgow Kings Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow
12 – 16 March Belfast Grand Opera House
www.goh.co.uk On sale soon
19 – 23 March Llandudno Venue Cymru 01492 872000
www.venuecymru.co.uk
25 – 30 March Bradford, Alhambra Theatre 01274 432000
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk On sale soon
1 – 6 April London New Wimbledon Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon
15 – 20 April Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
www.wmc.org.uk
23 – 27 April Brighton Theatre Royal
www.atgtickets.com/brighton
30 April – 4 May Manchester Opera House
www.atgtickets.com/manchester
6 – 11 May Stoke Regent Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
13 – 18 May Newcastle Theatre Royal 0191 232 7010
www.theatreroyal.co.uk On sale soon
20 – 25 May Dartford Orchard Theatre 01322 220000
www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
27 May – 1 June Oxford New Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/oxford
4 – 8 June York Grand Opera House
www.atgtickets.com/york
17 – 22 June Sheffield Lyceum 0114 249 6000
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk On sale soon
25 – 29 June Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre 02380 711811
www.mayflower.org.uk
2 – 6 July Torquay Princess Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/torquay
9 – 13 July Canterbury Marlowe 01227 787787
www.marlowetheatre.com
16 – 20 July Southend Cliffs Pavilion
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
22 – 27 July Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
29 July – 3 August Nottingham Theatre Royal 0115 989 5555
trch.co.uk
5 – 10 August Woking New Victoria Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
12 – 17 August Leicester Curve 0116 242 3595
www.curveonline.co.uk
20 – 24 August Truro Hall for Cornwall 01872 262466
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk On sale soon
2 – 7 September Bristol Hippodrome
www.atgtickets.com/bristol
10 – 14 September Ipswich Regent Theatre
www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk On sale soon
17 – 21 September Eastbourne Congress 01323 412 000
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
23 – 28 September Wolverhampton Grand 01902 429212
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
30 September – 5 October Blackpool Opera House
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
8 – 12 October Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre 01224 641122
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com On sale soon
21 – 26 October Milton Keynes Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
28 October – 2 November Bromley Churchill Theatre 0343 310 0020
www.churchilltheatre.co.uk On sale soon
4 – 9 November Hull New Theatre 01482 300 306
www.hulltheatres.co.uk
12 – 16 November Carlisle Sands Centre 0333 33 55055
www.thesandscentre.co.uk