I first came across this fun packed Heather Brothers musical in 1992 some three years after it’s West End run when I was taken along by Sheila to a touring version in Kirkcaldy and was unaware how I would get hooked on it.

For those who do not know the plot line, it is set in 1964 in and around The Club A-Go-Go, a typical club of it’s time run by Eric ‘Rubber Legs’ de Vene.

The club clientele is made up of hormonally charged teenagers all set on love or lust and the trials and tribulations this can bring.  

The Why Not? Musical Theatre Company, already having a fine pedigree in the West Fife area, take on this challenge and rise to the occasion with their usual aplomb. This is a cast that that are almost the right age for the characters they portray which may have helped Director Graeme Melvin, or maybe hindered him, only they will know, but an excellent performance was drawn from one and all.

The pivotal role of club owner Eric is played by Graeme Sharpe. Having seen him before it was a sure thing as far as I foresee, the role could have been written for him. His acting ability, natural comedy talent and an excellent singing voice gave him all the qualities the role demands and he turned in a performance to be proud of.

The lads, Andrew Gourlay playing ‘jack-the lad’ Gary, turned in his usual exemplary performance, this guy has talent to burn. Soon heading off to London for drama school, he will be a huge loss to the area, but remember his name, he is sure to be starring in the West End before long.

Side kick, Eddie, played by Joe Hannan is another would be ‘romeo’ with a soft spot, if that is the right expression, for ice maiden Bridget. Joe as usual is more than equal to the role and is surely another talent that will go far.

Adam Sawyer breathes life into less brash role of Rick with maturity that belies his youth. The infatuation with Sharon is performed with the ‘just right’ feel and as for his singing, well, he has come on leaps and bounds since the last time I saw him perform. 

The ladies of the company, Sarah-Jane Cooke as the curvy, long suffering Sue, Eleanor Gudgin as shy Sharon, Diane Stewart plays ‘Frigid Bridget’, Emma Steadman, Penny, Kate Bubb as Shirl and Hannah Lockwood, Stella are the objects of the guys attentions, some wanted, but often not, share the songs more normally performed by four girls, and each more than add their value to proceedings. 

The book and songs are a clever and funny pastiche of early 60’s music and culture and Melvin has maximised the comedy value in his direction. There are some absolutely hilarious moments which had the packed preview night in Dunfermline’s Alhambra II rolling in the aisles together with some less subtle moments too.

The choreography by Theresa Puddefoot is excellent. To a non-dancer like me it doesn’t seem too complicated, yet it is well drilled ,oh so effective and in keeping with the setting.

The set is basic, but gets the job done fine and the period costumes work well, maybe not as brash as I have seen in previous productions and the light and sound design certainly helped to create atmosphere.

The band of Tom Hannan, guitar, Owen MacDonald, bass, Alistair MacGregor drums under the musical direction of keyboard wizard Alan Gibson provided an excellent live platform for these talented singers to parade their vocal skills.

All in all a very accomplished and enjoyable performance, one well worth catching if you can. I saw the first of two nights at The Alhambra, with the second being on Thursday 30^th. After that the company decamp to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival playing from 8^th to 15^th at The Space@The Royal College of Surgeons Venue 53 at 16-45 daily.

If you are aware of this fun packed musical I would recommend you make a point of seeing it, and even more so if you have never seen it before, well you would not want to miss out. So Why Not? Grab a slice, but you don’t have to wait until Saturday Night to do so!!  

Why Not? Musical Theatre Company present 'A Slice of Saturday Night'   

The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July 2009.  Also at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 8th to 15th August at The Space@ The Royal College of Surgeons 16.45.