Saturday Night Fever at Sadler’s Wells

Oozing the spirit of the 70s from every pore, Bill Kenwright’s Saturday Night Fever is a fantastic spectacle with out-of-this-world lighting and knock-over choreography that should please both newcomers and fans of the iconic 1977 movie of the same name. The musical is just good, solid fun with a brilliant sense of pacing as it moves seamlessly from upbeat dance numbers and comedic scenes to the more serious portrayals of the desolate condition of working-class life in Brooklyn back in the day. Everything fits neatly together, from the cast over the music and the production itself. 

Much of the story’s charm comes from the character of Tony Manero – played to stupendous applause by Richard Winsor – an arrogant, narrow-minded, and yet brilliantly charming, kindhearted and well-meaning young man, whose only joy in life is being able to go dancing every Saturday night. Despite his many flaws, one roots for him since his life as a simple shop assistant, who’s considered a failure by his own family, gives him very little to live for, and yet he shows many moments of kindness as he attempts to escape his miserable existence. Winsor’s portrayal of this character is immensely entertaining and convincing throughout.

The production, too, succeeds, with Gary McCann’s sets and Nick Richings’s lighting design working together to create an astounding imitation of 70s disco with a spectacle that never ceases to impress. The band – directed by Scott Alder – does a dazzling job of playing all of the hits that Saturday Night Fever has to offer – from Stayin’ Alive to Night Fever, everything looks and feels authentic. Special kudos, too, to Jake Byrom, James Hudson and Oliver Thomson as authentic Bee Gee look- and soundalikes. Juxtaposing all this with Bill Deamer’s choreography presents the audience with an eerily similar feeling to the movie, while still being quintessentially its own thing – and enjoyably so.

There’s very little to dislike about this production of Saturday Night Fever. Offering a whole range of earworms, fantastic dance routines with a stellar production and a strong cast, it’s a joy throughout and deserves to be seen by all. A triumph.

Michael Higgs

Saturday Night Fever is at Sadler’s Wells from 4^th February until 26^th March 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.