Review: JACKIE THE MUSICAL, King's Theatre, Glasgow, 26 July 26 2016

Pre-social media and mobile phones, teenage girls in the 1970s relied on Jackie magazine for tips on fashion, dating and music. Aged 54 and going through a divorce, our leading lady (also called Jackie) unearths a box of magazines from her youth and turns to the pages for advice.

Jackie's teenage self appears to her and, horrified to learn how her life has turned out, encourages her to start dating again. There are some other storylines that run alongside as Jackie's ex-husband faces issues with his new girlfriend and Jackie's son experiences his first love. The story is as cheesy as it sounds, but the audience are enthralled throughout.

The soundtrack is fitting to the era and songs featured include "Love Is In The Air", "The Shoop Shoop Song" and "Puppy Love". Arlene Phillips's choreography is outstanding and really sets Jackie The Musical apart from other jukebox musicals.

Janet Dibley is perfectly cast as the lead and gives an excellent performance. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Graham Bickley as Jackie's ex-husband John. Bickley has often appeared in concerts in Glasgow and I have always enjoyed his performances, so it was a real treat to see him in a stage role.

While it may not be highbrow theatre, Jackie The Musical is a show that really knows its audience and has everyone on their feet by the end of it.

Jackie The Musical runs at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 30 August

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

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