REVIEW: NEVER FORGET, Theatre Royal Newcastle, September 10 2009

As I walked into the Theatre Royal, I was apprehensive of what to expect from this night at the theatre. Booked after a lunch where a few too many glasses of wine were had, I wondered what I had let myself in for. For those who look for sophistication in a show then this is not for you, but if you want fun and frolics Never Forget has it in bucketloads. I defy anyone to leave the theatre not having been thoroughly entertained.

With your typical jukebox musical, the plot lacks any real substance. Unfortunately Never Forget does nothing to buck this stereotype. We follow 'down-on-his-luck' newly-engaged Ash (Mark Wilshire), as he joins a Take That tribute band, and battles to win a £10,000 cash prize. Joining him in the band is Adam C Booth as best friend Jake, nerdy and nervous Adrian (Tom Bradley), dumb stripper Dirty Harry, played by ex-Brookside actor Phillip Olivier, and wannabe pop star Jose (Scott Garnham). As is always the case the road to stardom is never an easy one as various dramas, such as bankruptcy, infidelity and broken friendships are met along the way.

Plot issues aside, for the majority of the audience there was no denying that they had come to the theatre for the music. They were not to be disappointed. Chart-smashing hits including 'Relight My Fire' and 'Could It Be Magic' received a big showcasing and are some of the most exciting parts of the show. As big ensemble numbers, there are sparkly costumes galore alongside Karen Bruce's high paced and exciting choreography.  The very end of Act one is quite magical, with the special effect of pouring rain as Ash belts out 'Back For Good', an amusing example of pathetic fallacy.

Across the board, the leads are strong. All of the young men are gorgeous with equally gorgeous voices, most notably with some beautiful harmonizing in 'Babe'. They were all able to do justIce To the classic hits by the famous five. Particular credit must go to Aimie Atkinson, who plays Ash's fiancée Chloe, for a rousing performance of the shows 11 o'clock number 'Love Ain't Here Anymore'. The acting may fall short in places, but it is more likely due to the aforementioned script having no real depth, rather than a lack of talent from the actors. However, this is more than made up for by the trashy humour, which often involves references to pop culture, genitalia and bare bums, that is lapped up by the audience.

Never Forget is by no means a perfect show; yes it's tacky and shallow, but at the same time playful, with its heart in the right place. As the obligatory ending Megamix started up, there wasn't a single person in the theatre who wasn't on their feet singing and dancing. After all aren't we allowed a guilty pleasure once in a while?