Jersey Boys Theatre Review: Bristol Hippodrome

Last night my daughter and I went to the Bristol Hippodrome for a free press showing of the internationally acclaimed stage production, The Jersey Boys, which is currently touring the UK and tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It's a surprisingly intricate tale, with many twists and turns. We knew very little about the group, although we loved many of their songs, so this was a journey of discovery for both of us. And what a journey! We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more and we learned a lot. There's really only one way I can describe the whole experience; Oh, what a night! 

I was really looking forward to this show. I knew I couldn't go wrong with the fantastic catalogue of show-stopping songs Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons produced over their glittering career, but what I wasn't prepared for was the dramatic and, at times emotional, story that unfolded throughout the production. This isn't just a songbook, this show is a biography of the highs and lows that befell a group of misfits, trying desperately to make something of their lives. It charts their successes, their failures and the loyalty and determination that a New Jersey upbringing involves. 

We learned a lot from watching these young lads grow up. How they met, where the songs came from, what led them to follow the paths they did. From the very beginnings of their journey, we watched them climb a shaky road to stardom and deal with everything that accompanies that lifestyle. It was an uplifting and, at times hilarious, tale, but their lives weren't always easy. The brilliant performances from the cast really captured this, with both comedy timing and perfectly-placed emotion when you least expected it. One of those shows where you can be laughing one minute and crying the next.

We absolutely loved this show. It's well-rounded, with a great story, peppered throughout with amazing vocal performances and all the trademark dance moves you would expect. The small cast were outstanding and I would happily go and watch it again! The show is at The Bristol Hippodrome until the 17th of November and you can book your seats via ATG Tickets. Even if you've never heard of the group, or weren't a particular fan, there are a million reasons to go and see this show, it's a great feel-good story of overcoming obstacles and making good, when you've started out life on the wrong side of the tracks. Highly recommended.