What’s it about?
An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical is the stage adaptation of the legendary 1982 movie of the same name. It follows the journey of naval recruit Zack Mayo (Luke Baker) as he battles his inner demons and drill sergeant Emil Foley (Jamal Kane Crawford) to win his place at jet school and the heart of “townie” Paula Pokrifki (Georgia Lennon).
On the surface, it’s a love story of epic proportions – who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet and away from the factory floor? It also offers a nostalgic blast into the decadent past of a decade renowned for fun fashion and pop, shouting bold colours, big hair, neon signs and disco lights.
What makes it good?
Beneath the brash exterior, this jukebox musical reveals societal issues that still exist today, including women’s rights, anti-racism and opportunities for the disadvantaged. It’s a Man’s World is sung by the all-female factory workers (huge shout-out to the lead and ensemble vocals on this) and a slowed-down, more soulful version of Kids in America by the excellent Wendi Harriott depicts the generational yearning for escape. Trigger warning – your favourite 80s hits may not sound exactly like your 45 vinyls – but that’s the point. There’s a melancholy in some and release in others. The lyrics may not precisely match the plot either, but there is no doubt that Mike Oldfield/Hall & Oates’ haunting Family Man injects the tone to match the tragic reaction of Zack’s fellow recruit, Sid Worley (Danny Whelan), when rejected by Paula’s friend, Lynette Pomeroy (Sinead Long). Meanwhile nods to 80s videos underline the themes, with choreography and the set echoing the cages of Kids in America and Lynette’s reflection of Madonna’s Marilyn act in Material Girl underlining her search, not just for the love of a good man, but one with a title and all that represents.
The best bits
A cast with enormous vocal range, adding new layers of meaning and emotion to decades-old hits.
The “Magic Mike” style scene with the naval recruits in their dress whites.
The chemistry between Luke Baker and Georgia Lennon, who make iconic roles their own whilst paying sufficient homage to Richard Gere and Debra Winger for die-hard fans of the original movie.
Danny Whelan, covering for Paul French, as the heart-broken Sid. His powerful performance of Family Man felt raw and gut-wrenchingly real.
Jamal Kane Crawford’s impressive stage presence and delivery of the original movie’s best lines.
The sound and light effects – the jet overhead, disco lights across the auditorium, the motorbike revs…
The hard-working cast and crew – this is a fast-paced, energetic musical – hats off to them all. And officer hats on to the appreciative Blackpool crowd who bought the merch and gave them a standing ovation on opening night.
The programme – invest in one before the show – if you’re not familiar with the back story it’s an interesting read and provides depth and context.
An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical is on until Saturday 5th October at the Winter Gardens Blackpool.
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
