Wilma’s Rating [rating=4]
Currently tap dancing around the UK is the 1930’s based musical 42nd Street.
In the show we meet Peggy Sawyer (Jessica Punch). She is young, bright eyed and ready to take on the world when she arrives in New York to audition for the show Pretty Lady.
Stud muffin Billy Lawlor (James O’Connell) takes an instant liking to Peggy and helps bring her on board for the show.
Dorothy Brock (Marti Webb) is hired as the star of the show (despite her mediocre dancing) in return for financial backing from her wealthy partner Abner Dillon (Bruce Montague).
An on stage accident which causes Dorothy to break her leg, sees Peggy fired from the show. Quickly, everyone realises she is the only person good enough to take Dorothy’s part and keep the show alive. They rush to bring her back on board in order to make the show a success.
42nd Street features the well known saying “You’re going out there a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!” And these performers are stars!
The show originally opened on Broadway in 1980 before coming to London’s West End in 1984. 5 years ago the show toured the UK and now it’s back!
I never thought tap dancing shows were my thing. But after seeing 42nd Street I’ve decided they are (as I was pretending to tap dance all the way home!)
It’s been nearly 30 years since 42nd Street was in London’s West End and I think maybe it’s time for a revival!
