The Drifters Girl - Newcastle TR / Garrick / U.K. Tour

I'd imagine they'd be wanting to release it before Beverley leaves.

One of the male cast told my friend they are doing a year contract so there until around November. No news on the recording. She’ll ask for us and give me an update to share

Is Sharon not heading back to Broadway to do Death of a Salesman?

Finally saw The Drifters Girl this afternoon. The two cast members that I really wanted to see going into it, Beverley Knight MBE and Matt Henry MBE, were both off (Bev due to illness and Matt on scheduled leave I presume).

Despite that, I really enjoyed this show, which is packed with The Drifters’ hit songs. The book of the musical tells of Faye Treadwell who fought against racism and misogyny to help The Drifters attain global success. The problem is that a lot of the plot is talking about record deals etc. and hence a lot of the dialogue heavy scenes, in act one especially, seemed to drag out. In act two, there are a few really funny scenes, especially when The Drifters come to the UK - and I was definitely more invested in the dialogue scenes then.

We had Vanessa Ela Young as Faye Treadwell (the part usually played by Beverley Knight). I have heard bad things about Beverley’s accent, well Vanessa’s was spot on and her acting was first rate. The only time I really missed Beverley was during Faye’s four songs where Bev’s growls and powerhouse vocals would have taken the roof off. Having said that, Vanessa seemed to grow in confidence with every song and her rendition of Harlem Child in act two got one audience member yelling with delight. What surprised me, considering that the role is usually played by (in my opinion) the greatest singer in the country, is that this is more of an acting role than a singing role. I hope to catch Beverley before she leaves and will be keen to see what it’s like with her in the role.

The star of the show by far, for me though, was Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Starting out as an hysterically funny bar worker, he goes on to play two iconic Drifters lead singers (Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis). His version of Stand By Me, as Ben, was simply breathtaking. Every word was meticulously thought about, to be delivered exactly as Ben would have delivered it. His portrayal of Rudy Lewis, a complete contrast, completely captivating and heart-wrenching. Honestly, I have no idea how Tosh is not nominated for an Olivier this year, as he completely stole the show and blew me away.

Tarrin Callendar is also incredible. He starts off singing all the low parts of songs and then transitions to singing all the high parts. I have no idea what his vocal range actually is but wow.

If you’re a fan of The Drifters and want a feel-good show then this is for you. If you’re expecting Faye to sing a lot of songs, you may come away disappointed. But the guys who play The Drifters are so talented that their performances stay with you long after the curtain comes down.

Beverley's accent was embarrassing and to that extent so is this show's clumsy and clunky book. But when she sings, well, all is (almost) forgiven !

I want to come back and say what a revelation Tosh was for me. He was out the first time I saw the show, I loved the show and all the performances and nobody was shortchanged that day but was so happy I got the opportunity to see him yesterday (caused by ocean at the end of the lane being cancelled while I was en-route and being keen to see Vanessa). He really takes it to another level. I already loved how the male cast played every other role than Faye and girl but he lived those parts. Such emotion. I’m back for Beverley’s last night but wouldn’t be surprised if I’m back again. The cast work so hard and I love that I saw the show twice but the only cast member I’ve seen twice is Tarinn!

Beverley is a guest on bbc radio 2 tomorrow from 12 to share some "exciting news".

I assume the cast recording details?

Vanessa told a friend that she is due to be on April 12th. I'm not aware of any other dates.

Cast recording finally announced! Recorded at Abbey Road Studios no less. Available 6th May.
thedriftersgirl.tmstor.es/?lf=73d84fa27b609a091e5f31dac53a90e2

So happy it will be an actual cd and signed as well. Brilliant. I've never ordered anything so fast.

Thanks so much as that was the week I was looking at booking!

Ordered.