Jersey Boys – Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring

(L-R) Blair Gibson, Dalton Wood, Michael Pickering and Lewis Griffiths in Jersey Boys at the Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring. Picture: Birgit + Ralf Brinkhoff

Jersey Boys continues at the Milton Keynes Theatre until 5 March and then tours until 3 December 2022.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The iconic Jersey Boys struts onto the stage at Milton Keynes Theatre this week and ‘Oh, What a Night’ audiences have in store.

Following the formation, international success and demise of the incredible 1960s rock‘n’roll group, the Four Seasons, this jukebox musical includes all of the much-loved songs from the band. In a documentary-style format, the show focuses on each band member’s perspective as they guide us through the story, which traces the four seasons of a year but covers the entire timeline of the band.

The set is a simple structure that remains throughout, with only small tweaks to depict scene changes. My favourite being the gleam of the lights, as the stage is transformed to mimic the well-known promotional image that graces the posters and advertising material for the show. The audience is made to feel like they’re part of the back-stage crew, watching the band perform one of their famous hits.

The modest set allows the focus to remain on the skilled cast, who are central to the expert delivery of the story. Praise has to be given to the central characters, Michael Pickering as Frankie Valli, Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi, Blair Gibson as Bob Gaudio and Dalton Wood as Tommy DeVito. The four actors truly embody their roles, with superb singing voices, dance moves and acting skills. It’s like experiencing the perfection of the Four Seasons in real life, but with a bit of added drama!

Expect sharp suits and glamorously dressed girls, as the costumes complement the suave Jersey-born characters. Even if you’re not accustomed to the back-story of the band, you’ll soon be engaged with the plot and will quickly realise that you know far more songs by the Four Seasons than you ever realised.

A packed auditorium were foot-tapping and clapping in their seats throughout, as the audience was treated to a whistle-stop tour of the band’s back catalogue. The live orchestra led by musical director Griff Johnson provides the heartbeat to the show and heightens the party atmosphere. Expect to be on your feet and dancing in the aisles by curtain close.

A show for all the family, whether you’re a huge fan or only recognise a few songs. It’s easy to see why Jersey Boys has stormed the West End and continues to be a worldwide success.

Hannah Grimmette