The cast of DREAMGIRLS UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
From its vibrant set and costume design to the stunning cast performance, DREAMGIRLS is musical theatre at its best.
Following a successful run in London’s West End, the dazzling multi-award-winning musical DREAMGIRLS heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this week for a two-week run as part of a new UK tour.
Set in 1960s America, DREAMGIRLS tells the story of three fresh-faced wannabes – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – who embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business. The hit stage musical won six Tony awards when it first debuted in 1981 and was later adapted into a 2006 film starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson.
The cast of DREAMGIRLS UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
As the curtain rises for the opening number, it is clear that Director Casey Nicholaw and his creative team have worked hard to bring the glitz and glamour of the West End production to this touring show. Tim Hatley’s inventive and vibrant set makes good use of Hugh Vanstone’s impressive lighting design to frame and focus each scene, allowing us to peek backstage at shady deals and confrontations whilst also observing the action onstage.
His set design is only outshone in sparkle and spectacle of his costume designs, the slim-fitting fish-tailed ball gowns and glittering sequined showstopper suits instantly placing us in the realm of sixties girl groups.
Nicole Raquel Dennis steals the show as Effie White, delicately balancing the character’s fierceness and vulnerability. The show’s highlight is her stunning performance of AND I’M TELLING YOU I’M NOT GOING, which has the audience on their feet before the number is even finished.
The cast of DREAMGIRLS UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
The excellent Natalie Kassanga supports as Deena Jones, whose soft, quiet vocals make her instantly likeable. Paige Peddie is equally brilliant as the hilarious Lorrell Robinson, showing off her impressive vocal range in AIN’T NO PARTY.
A special mention also must go to Brandon Lee Sears, who plays Jimmy Early with relentless energy and cheeky flair. His outstanding vocals and fancy footwork instantly win over the audience, and his impeccable comic timing provides some of the show’s most memorable moments.
But what makes DREAMGIRLS truly stand out from the crowd is its incredible score. From powerful and soulful numbers like AND I’M TELLING YOU I’M NOT GOING and LISTEN to the upbeat disco tracks like ONE NIGHT ONLY, its eclectic mix of Motown, R&B, soul, disco, pop and outrageous power ballads provide the heart and soul of the show.
Add in Nicholaw’s sublime choreography, and you can’t fail to be blown away by this show. DREAMGIRLS is musical theatre at its best.
DREAMGIRLS runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until 24 September 2022
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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