The cast of The Wedding Singer. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 22nd 2012.

L. S. Media Rating ***

Cast: Michael John Griesen, Cameron Jones, Anthony Mackin, Katie Speakman, Jennie Scully, Gary Lamb, Jean Aspinall, Diane Glover, Ann Connolly, James Kirby.

It is always a challenge transferring any successful film to the stage, adapting it, playing with idea but never straying very far from what it was that made it that sensation in the first place. The Wedding Singer is no different to say Legally Blonde or Spamalot in that respect and for the Pilkington Musical Theatre, The Wedding Singer was a joy to perform and to watch.

For the audience at the St. Helens Theatre Royal, the play transported them back to the 1980’s, the era of big shoulders, ra-ra skirts, Wall Street and for some the joy of attending weddings galore. The Wedding Singer looks at the life of Robbie Hart, a man whose musical ambition has not been matched by his fortune in making the next step up and away from performing at various functions. He is not even able to make the most of his own wedding day as his fiancé calls off their wedding on the day. The turnabout in his life is helped by meeting the down to Earth Julia and the power of friendship.

For this production the cast gave their all in every department, from the brilliant choreography, mastered splendidly by Anna Wilkinson and the songs which were at all times enjoyable as they were fascinating to hear and throughout it all there were some very accomplished performances which were worthy of both the film and the people playing them. In particular Michael John Griesen and Katie Speakman were on exceptional form as the two romantic leads and as they played off one others wit and acting ability, a genuine spark of affection was felt for them from the auditorium. They may be young and part of an amateur production, however there was nothing amateur about their dedication or skill. The same goes for the rest of the cast who acted admirably and with great ease.

Two other actors were on very impressive form and should be proud of their achievement and honest approach to the musical, Jean Aspinall as Robbie Hart’s grandmother was a towering success and Anthony Mackin who captured the essence of the role in the film version of the gay keyboard player perfectly.

It was with a nice touch of class that the play was as well received as it was by the audience, as it was an enjoyable performance.

Ian D. Hall