Review: Club Tropicana The Musical, Theatre Royal Norwich

I have to admit that I am old enough to have experienced the 80s first time round and yes, I had

the shoulder pads (and double denim), the big hair and the brick-like mobile phone.

This breathless new feelgood musical stars X-Factor winner, Joe McElderry (it was 10 years

ago) as Garry, the entertainment boss of a hotel in Spain - a bit like TV’s Benidorm, you could

be forgiven for thinking.

There is a plot - a couple break up and then make up - and boy is it played for laughs which

come thick and fast, and often on the risque side of risque.

While Joe is great fun, the tunes, or bangers as today’s youngsters call them, are the real stars

of the show. There’s everything from Blondie to Cyndi Lauper, ABC, Bucks Fizz and Depeche

Mode and lots of joining in!

Mention should go to the supporting cast, including Kate Robbins as Consuela, the Spanish

cleaning lady who had more than a few surprises up her sleeve. They all sing and dance their

(neon) socks off.

It’s a perfect piece of fluff, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and could easily become a firm

favourite with many - move over Mamma Mia!

The show runs until Saturday.

Sarah Hardy