WHAT THE PAPERS SAY:
The Torbay Weekly – reviewer Dawn Gillingwater
The latest production at the Babbacombe Theatre, Celebration, certainly lives up to its name. Packed with music, comedy, magic and slick choreography, the show marks 40 years of Colin Matthews at the helm and, if this show is anything to go by, the future looks just as bright.
It takes the audience on a lively musical journey, featuring tributes to legendary performers including Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Cher and Tina Turner. From the opening number set to Ricky Martin’s Livin’ la Vida Loca, complete with eye-catching costumes and dramatic lighting, the production maintains a vibrant energy throughout.
Costume design is a standout element of the evening, with outfits carefully chosen to complement each segment. A blue velvet and diamond-encrusted gown worn by vocalist Claire Waring for Diamonds Are Forever would look perfectly at home on a Las Vegas stage, while performer Lorna Amy Sullivan’s glamorous, glittering Chicago-style jacket provided the perfect look for her solo performance.
Claire also delivered one of the evening’s standout moments with her rendition of As If We Never Said Goodbye from the musical Sunset Boulevard. Introduced with black-and-white backstage footage as she walks to centre stage, the sequence captures a sense of old-school Hollywood glamour as she launches into a stunning vocal performance. It is a real show-stopper, and Claire leaves a lasting impression.
Host Steve Laister proves a natural master of ceremonies, effortlessly engaging the audience with quick wit, playful references to local places and easy-going humour. When paired with Lorna for several comedy sketches, from exaggerated German characters to humorous portrayals of older people, the duo prove to be a perfect comedic pairing.
Lorna herself is a pocket rocket of energy and a genuine triple threat, seamlessly blending dancing, singing and comedy. Meanwhile, vocalist Paul Cobley makes a welcome return to the theatre and is a brilliant addition to this year’s line-up. He got the crowd involved from the outset with Hey Baby before delivering a powerful and emotional rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables that left the audience momentarily hushed and in awe.
He also shows his comedic side during a Riverdance-style segment, hilariously channelling Stavros Flatley from Britain’s Got Talent. The routine also gave the talented Danze Chique dancers a chance to showcase their flawless choreography.
Elsewhere, Kidz & Co provided a heartfelt moment with a touching performance about growing up, while magician Daniel Dean added another layer of entertainment with impressive illusions, including a floating present and a spectacular finale, where performers appear from seemingly empty boxes. I would have liked to see his traditional hoop trick replaced with something a little more modern, but overall, he still pulled some great tricks out of the bag.
With strong vocals, polished choreography, laugh-out-loud comedy and a touch of magic, Celebration delivers exactly what its title promises: a truly joyful night of entertainment.
Having reviewed shows at the venue for more than 20 years, I have to say this is their best yet. Bravo indeed, here’s to the next 40 years!
https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk
THE HERALD EXPRESS: Reviewer Paul Levie *****
Forty fabulous years! That’s what they’re celebrating at the Babbacombe Theatre this year – with a show worthy of the name – simply Celebration.
It was exactly 40 years ago that impresario Colin Matthews walked into the clifftop theatre – and bought it. He then turned it into Britain’s most successful independently funded venue, beloved by locals and holidaymakers alike.
Five million bums on seats later, having showcased some of the nation’s biggest stars and been a major boost to Torbay’s economy, the modest magician has done it again – and then declined to walk out on stage to accept the rapturous applause from the knowledgeable audience.
Top of the bill Steve Laister, celebrating his own milestone with his seventh headline appearance, was in fabulous form, proving once again that he can tackle everything in show business.
But if it is possible, his terrific talents have taken on yet another dimension with his burgeoning partnership with blonde bombshell Lorna Amy Sullivan.
She could always sing like an angel and dance like a pro. But now the pair have honed a comedy duo worthy of comparison to the legendary Burns and Allen.
Watch their sketches Hans and Heidi or He’ll See You Now with Paul Cobley and you’ll see what I mean.
Paul is a first class singer, and his rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables brought tears to my eyes. But like all of Colin Matthews’ exceptional ensemble, he is quite happy to join in with the funny stuff.
Equally comedy magician Daniel Dean pops up everywhere. Singing, dancing and being charmingly silly. But one of his illusions is so astounding, I plan to break the habit of a lifetime and demand that Colin lets me see how it’s done! I’ll never sleep otherwise.
And talking of goosebumps, headline singer Claire Waring just gets better and better. Close your eyes and listen to Diamonds are Forever and you’ll know what I’m saying.
And towards the end of the show she produced at utterly breathtaking performance, filmed live on stage, in black and white, with the audience behind her. Stunning. And another tribute to director Colin Matthews imagination and innovation.
Last but by no means least, there are the two group acts who are the glue that hold the show together. Danze Chique, who put in another faultless performance of beauty and grace. And Kidz and Co, the little darlings of the next generation of cheeky performers getting their first taste of the spotlight.
They appear with the whole cast in Hard Rock Heroes, and if you’ve never seen a 10 year-old Ozzy Osbourne or Tina Turner, you’re in for such a treat.
Tributes must be paid, as always, to musical director Pete Leonard, choreographer Lucy O’Neill, costume co-ordinator Sharon Waring, and all the many front-of-house and box-office staff, many of whom have been with Colin Matthews for years.
Their loyalty and talents are what has helped Colin build up the legend of Babbacombe Theatre over the past four decades. Long may it continue.
