The Wedding Singer was never a classic movie in 1998, and the stage musical isn’t a classic either, but if you want harmless feelgood fun, this is a show for you. For what Wedding Singer lacks in depth of plot and music, it gives in escapism and nostalgia. But you still need to make the best of what you have and fortunately, Bournville Musical Theatre Company did just that.
The show tells the story of Robbie Hart, played superbly by Stuart McDiarmid, who gets jilted at his own wedding and falls in love with waitress, Julia Sullivan (the excellent Chloe Turner). However, Julia is engaged to rich businessman, Glen (Liam Mc Nally) whose example in life Robbie tries to follow. That is until he realises happiness is better than being rich. A sound philosophy.
But a production is not just about the main roles (as original Robbie in the film, Adam Sandler, often seems to forget) You need a strong cast, plus good characters, and meaningful sub-plots. Thankfully, there were; one such stand-out performance being that of Lisa Colvin-Grieve in the role of Holly. Great character and best number of the show with Lewis Doley (Sammy) in Right in Front of Your Eyes. Doley was also excellent as one half of the comic duo of bandmates with Robbie Love as George.
There were also good showings from Jill Hughes (Robbie’s Gran, Rosie) and Sarah Frances McCarthy (Julia’s Mum, Angie). One more to note was new member to the company, Harriet Marsland, who was exceptionally strong in her number, Let Me Come Home.
As well as the rousing opening number, It’s Your Wedding Day, there were decent tunes in Someday, Somebody Kill Me, Saturday Night in the City, All About the Green and Grow Old With You.
The show was directed by John Morrison with Rhian Clements and musical direction was in the safe hands of Chris Corcoran. Choreography was arranged superbly by Sadie Turner who also seemed to have made an unplanned excursion on stage, as she was in the programme stating, “She was looking forward to watching the show.”
First scheduled two years ago and like many, hit by Covid. The Wedding Singer also marked Bournville’s 100th Anniversary as a company. There will be a Centenary Concert at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham on October 22 this year to celebrate this. An amazing feat to reach such a landmark. Here’s to the next 100 years.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt - Author 