Rip it Up – The 60s continues at the Garrick Theatre, London until 2 June 2019.
Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩
Following the success of Rip it Up – The 50s tour, this feel-good variety show encompasses the 1960s in all its glory. The swinging 60s is celebrated through dance, music and somehow gymnastics. This is of course with the help of stars Jay McGuiness, Aston Merrygold, Harry Judd and Louis Smith.
Rip it Up is explosive in more ways than one. This is the era of explosive freedom which is highlighted in the vibrant, colour and high-energy performances of all of the cast members.
The production is broken into segments which pay homage to Mods and Rockers, The Beatles and The Beach Boys and Motown. While doing this, all the leading lads also give a nod to their Strictly Come Dancing days.
Rip it Up is essentially a made-up TV show with real life people. The only made up character is the American TV presenter Cavin Cornwall who connects the cast members and the audience together as he asks the stars questions on their Strictly experience and how the 60s has inspired.
Cavin Cornwall often “rolls VT” and we hear from famous icons including Lulu and Tony Blackman who talk about their personal experience in the 60s. The real-life figures featured in the production make this different from other West End musicals but sometimes detracts from the dances.
Particularly memorable are the individual dance routines by McGuiness, Merrygold, Judd and Smith. All Strictly-esque numbers are technically impressive but there is also an emotion invested in the performances with their dance partners.
Although Rip it Up is ultimately a Strictly spin-off dance show, we get to see the vocals from all lead stars, including gymnast Smith who tries his best to fit in with the boyband members. Merrygold is clearly the best vocalist of the bunch and his effortless singing is phenomenal.
Lead vocalist Jill Marie Cooper has a likeable glimmer and an astounding voice.
This show is essentially a fast-paced, fun-packed two hours of Strictly Come Dancing. Thrilling and excitable, but it does make you wonder if this show would be such a success without its leading (and famous) men!
Molly Kerrigan
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