Saturday Night Fever | Mayflower Theatre

Saturday Night Fever - it's a film that everyone knows, even if, like me, you've never sat down and watched it. John Travolta + dancing to hits by The Bee Gees + that iconic white suit, how could you not know the name? Despite not seeing the film, I knew I really wanted to see the stage show when it arrived in Southampton, so I was grateful to be invited to the Mayflower Theatre for press night*.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

40 years since the release of the film, the stage production of Saturday Night Fever tells the story of Tony Manero, played by Casualty star Richard Winsor, who tries to escape the harsh realities of working-class Brooklyn life, while beginning a reckless, yet thrilling road to dancing success. He joins forces with Stephanie Mangano, a talented dancer who catches Tony's eye at local disco club 2001 Odyssey.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

I knew Richard Winsor as charismatic young doctor Cal Knight in BBC's Casualty, but I had no idea he was such a talented dancer. I could not take my eyes off of him, especially during his solo dance during the song Immortality. He embodied the character of Tony perfectly - everyone was in love with him and his dancing skills by the end of the show.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

Olivia Fines as Stephanie did a great job of putting Winsor's Tony through his paces. She was the perfect casting for the strong and independent Stephanie, who doesn't want to just fall at Tony's feet, instead making him work for their friendship. The chemistry between Winsor and Fines was totally believable - I was constantly wondering whether they would become romantically involved or not.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

The rest of the cast were equally as talented - I've never seen so many amazing dancers on one stage. By the end of the first act, I was exhausted just from watching everyone. I don't think I could ever keep up. I also loved all the music - the soundtrack is full of songs that you know as soon as the opening notes are played. Jake Byron, Danny Knott and James Kenneth Haughan did a great job of bringing the Bee Gees to life on stage. I was not surprised that the entire audience were on their feet by the end of the show - how could we not be?

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday Night Fever. I would really recommend getting tickets and going along if you can - it's one of those performances that is just guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Theatre

Saturday Night Fever is on stage at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until Saturday 24th August. Tickets are available to purchase online here, or by calling the Box Office on 02380711811.

*My tickets to Saturday Night Fever were complimentary in return for my review, but all views and opinions are honest and my own.

Love Lexie,
xo