It is not a necessity to have seen “Boogie Nights” the original, to understand and enjoy “Boogie Nights 2”.  There are a few references to the original but this show stands on its own.

It is one of the feel-good musicals on tour at the moment and for those who lived their formative years in the 80’ or those who love and enjoy 80’s music, this is a must see.  Not just to see the superb and still sexy David Essex playing Saint Peter, if this is the look of a typical angel I certainly will enjoy going to heaven when the time is right.  As Saint Peter David is helping the tearaway hero of the show Roddy find his path in life or the hereafter. We get to see David perform and hear him sing and it is easy to see he has not lost any of his charisma and stage presence he is wonderful to watch and listen to.  A superb cast and an interesting set design along with a plethora of interesting costumes and many comedy moments surround him.

Mark Jones has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of Shane Richie, the original Roddy, for whom ‘Boogie Nights’ was originally written, then the gorgeous Sam Kane who did the 2003 tour with Sophie Lawrence as his leading lady Debs. Mark certainly stamps his own personality on Roddy, adding touches showcasing his vocal ability as well as his comic talents and mimicry.

Sophie Lawrence as Debs develops the character she first played in the 2003 tour and takes her on 10 years. Sophie best known for her role in Eastenders sings and dances beautifully the only disappointment in the show was the recreation of the lift from ‘Dirty Dancing’ which she successfully did with one of the dancers and not Roddy!

The parts of Terry and Trish were not played by Scott Robinson (ex 5ive) and Emily Mascarenhas but extremely well by the understudies Andrew Rees and Sarah Kitson. Had it not been for the pre-show announcement I wouldn’t have known any better.  They both seem to be totally at home in the characters, both move and sing well. I was occasionally aware of Andrew doing more dancing than was strictly necessary for the character.

Sophie was not the only member of the 2003 cast to continue in character as both Don Crann as Roddy’s dad  Eamon and Joe Speare as Roddy’s partner Spencer have been in previous tours of the original ‘B N’.  Although I hadn’t seen Don before I love his portrayal of the Elvis  worshiping, over drinking, doting father of Roddy. He in a way is the voice of both reason and conscience. He doesn’t get to sing very much but you find yourself sitting up and listening when he dose. I’m not sure if Elvis visits earth from time to time but part of him lives on in Don and the character of Eamon.

Joe Speare was Spencer in the 2003 tour along with Sophie and his character has developed in to the baddie of the show. This you forgive him for as he has phenomenal stage presence and a voice which has an amaising range.  His rendition of ‘Relax’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Night Clubbin’ all display his abilities beautifully.

As with most good musicals it is the sum of all the parts together which add up to an enjoyable and exciting evening. The clever writing, choice of musical numbers, choreography, sets, costumes, an exciting if small band, lighting, stage crew and finally yet most importantly an extremely talented cast who gel together and produce the final work.

Your eyes are drawn all over the place and everyone in the audience had a fantastic time. Most of us wanted to go back and see the show again. I must mention Barry Hester whose talents brought us both Bob Geldof and Margaret Thatcher as well as several other comical moments.

Thank you to everyone involved and I look forward to seeing you all again as I will take the opportunity to go to see the show again if given the chance.

Jon Conway is the creator of Boogie Nights the 70’s and Boogie Nights 2 the 80’s, whether he can take it into the 90’s is yet to be seen but lets hope he tries.