Summer in the City (Upstairs at the Gatehouse)

Really enjoyed this slice of Sixties nostalgia at Upstairs at the Gatehouse last week (so much so I'm heading back to see it again tomorrow!). 

The story is slight but serves as an effective vehicle for two hours of iconic Sixties hits, with the music performed live by a five-piece band.

Set in a Carnaby Street coffee shop, owned by a former big band singer, we're introduced to several of the regulars, who share their hopes and dreams for the future. Three of these characters go on to form their own female harmony group, The Vixens, with relationship drama and chart flops to overcome on their way to eventual professional success and happy endings all round! 

The characters are likeable, Jennifer Selway's script is witty (with plenty of knowing nods to the future), and the cast and band sing, dance and play up a storm. The chemistry between the cast of six is tangible. As with Mother Goose, you can tell those on stage are having a blast and their energy and enjoyment is infectious.

The show, which has been Offie-nominated for best director, costume design and performance ensemble, is essentially a variation on the popular format of Dreamboats and Petticoats and its two sequels, with the youth club of Dreamboats swapped for a coffee bar. The similarities include sharing a lead character by the name of Bobby, making one of the song choices inevitable! Ultimately it's traffic warden Vera (Elizabeth Walker) who steps out of the shadows to take the spotlight as The Vixens' lead singer and become Bobby's Girl. Helen Goldwyn, Harry Curley, Eliza Shea, Candis Butler Jones and Connor Arnold make up the rest of the terrific cast. 

With songs from Downtown to Big Time Operator, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Only Want To Be With You, Don't Worry Baby, It Takes Two and many more, the show is unashamedly feel-good, none more so than its singalong encore of Hi-Ho Silver Living. There's also one original song in the show which has been recorded live at the Gatehouse and released as a single! It's available to download now.



The only bittersweet thing about Summer in the City is that this is the last Ovation production at the Gatehouse, with John and Katie Plews moving on after 25 years in Highgate in February (with the theatre's current manager, Annlouise, taking over the lease from March). I've a huge amount of admiration for how Ovation have taken shows of epic scale and spectacle, like 42nd Street and Singin' in the Rain, and consistently reimagined them so magically for the intimate setting of the Gatehouse. From revivals like Top Hat to European premieres like Nice Work If You Can Get It, their Christmas musicals and summer in-house productions are always among the theatrical highlights of the year.

Summer in the City is no exception, exuding heart and warmth and providing two hours of stunning harmonies, humour and perfect festive entertainment.