Dreamboats and Petticoats is a musical inspired by the compilation CDs of British and American hits of the late 50s and 60s and as such I was expecting a walk down memory lane via a few good tunes strung together and a bit of jiving in between. Never could I have been so wrong; this show is brilliant, vibrant and funny, with a cast of first class actors and musicians, and I loved every jazzy moment of it. The action takes place in St Mungo’s Youth Club in 1961, in a bygone age of innocence where milk shakes and burgers were the height of sophistication, "going steady" was the order of the day and a cuddle in the tunnel of love at the fair considered risqué.

The plot is a sort of variation of Happy Days; with the story centred on Bobby, a shy and awkward acne prone teenager who has a hopeless crush on Sue, a saucy redhead much more interested in cocky Norman, the possessor of a large quiff and an ego to match. Meanwhile his best friend Ray’s sister, Laura, a sweet little girl with National Health specs and still in pigtails pines for him and writes songs of unrequited love.

Josh Capper is excellent as Bobby, the embodiment of a tortured adolescent, full of fears and longing. He has a great voice and was more than capable of delivering Roy Orbison’s signature song ’In Dreams’ with heartfelt passion, wearing the obligatory sunglasses whilst alone in his bedroom, only to be disturbed by his dad who wants to know what the devil he is doing wearing sunglasses at night. A scene played out in teenage bedrooms all over the country I’m sure but where the singing isn’t as good!

Jonathan Bremner as the over confident and oafish Norman is splendid, preening and posturing to the maximum and giving his all to the rock numbers. Carolynne Good’s saucy Sue is the good time girl, all wiggle and pout, but you know she has a heart. Laura, the quiet schoolgirl who writes songs is played by Daniella Bowen and she has a strong and melodic voice coupled with a pretty face which is perfect for the part.

The dialogue is snappy with some crisp and topical one liners - after seemingly failing to crack the pop scene Bobby’s ambition is to be a banker, "because people look up to bankers" which got a great laugh. The music is terrific throughout and I really enjoyed the two a cappella numbers. At the end the whole audience was on its feet twisting and shouting along with the cast - a great ending to a great show.

Jacquie Vowles