The Film 42^nd Street hit cinemas in 1933, it was adapted for the stage in the late 1970’s reaching the Theatre Royal Drury Lane London in 1984.  Its ‘rags to riches’ storyline is still appealing to every aspiring thespian today, and is set mainly backstage through rehearsals and tryouts for a new Busby Berkeley style musical extravaganza.

We open back stage of the 42^nd Street Theatre New York City where we see Andy Lee (Graeme Henderson) hunky choreographer, putting the excited auditionees through their paces.  Maggie Jones (Shirley Jameson) and Bert Barry (Graham Hoadley) songwriters and performers extraordinaire are seen working with Andy Lee and the show’s male star Billy Lawlor (Ashley Nottingham) putting the chosen chorus through their paces.  In rushes Peggy Sawyer (Jessica Punch), fresh from the country to try and make it big in show business, late for the auditions, but just in time to almost knock over Julian Marsh (Dave Willetts), entrepreneur and show producer, banishing any hope of her getting a part.

Peggy is so likeable she is taken in under the wings of Maggie, Anytime Annie (Rebecca Marks), Lorraine (Danielle Corlass) and Phyllis (Sarah Thornton). Andy and Billy notice Peggy’s talent and he undoubted beauty and both do all they can to get her into the show.

Dorothy Brock (Julia J Nagle), ex-music hall star, is being bankrolled by her latest sugar daddy Abner Dillon (Bruce Montague), a millionaire from manufacturing Kiddy Karts, in her return to the stage. No Abner, no cash, no show! The plot however thickens when Dorothy’s lover Pat Denning (Nicholas Charters) appears on the scene.

As with all good shows Peggy gets her leading part opposite Billy, Dorothy and Pat get married and the show is an outstanding success.

Did I say outstanding success? Yes this production of 42^nd Street is an outstanding success and the cast, crew choreographer and musicians all work together to produce an amazing show, which leave us with a great feeling having had a thoroughly superb night.

The extremely talented ensemble are Cameron Ball, David Birch, Kate Cobb, Charlotte May Davies, Lisa Dent, Aideen Donoghue, Victoria Gavin, Lauren Godbold, Ian Goss, Kit Gresty, Natalie Ingham, Anthony Kirwan, Sophie Le Brun, Daniel Smith, Hollie Sorelle, Alex Taylor, Kirsty Lee Turner and Danielle Wheeler.

The Orchestra is lead by Musical Director, Gareth Williams with, Richard Bradley, John Graham, Gavin Hibberd, Simon Murrayy, Kate Parker, Martin Roach, Paul Shepherd and Jon Watson although hidden in the pit they are at times very much part of the show.

All the advertising showed Paul Nicholas as Julian Marsh yet Edinburgh had the charismatic Dave Willetts who will be returning to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre in South Pacific 2^nd to 6^th October 2007. It appears that Paul and Dave are job sharing. For further information see www.ukproductions.co.uk

The Edinburgh Playhouse Tuesday 29^th May to Saturday 9^th June 2007.