REVIEW: The Wedding Singer at the Opera House

Based on Adam Sandler’s hit 90’s movie, The Wedding Singer kicked off it’s opening night in Manchester at the Opera House theatre, receiving a standing ovation from the audience, this highly anticipated production did not disappoint.

Loveable Robbie Hart is the lead singer of wedding band, Simply Wed, but dreams of one day becoming a rock star. On the day of his own wedding, his soon-to-be wife Linda leaves him jilted at the altar. Heart broken and despondent, Robbie is convinced by his band mates to play another wedding gig, which he promptly ruins with his antagonistic mood. Despite this, waitress Julie convinces Robbie to perform at her wedding, and helps him get through his heartbreak by befriending him. However, this budding friendship soon develops into much more when Julie’s friend Holly encourages her to practice her wedding kiss with Robbie.

The Wedding Singer sprung to life on stage with high energy performances, quirky dance routines and a whole host of original scores. West End star Jon Robyn’s performance as Robbie Hart was thoroughly enjoyable, instantly making the audience fall in love with Robbie, while simultaneously crying with laughter at his ridiculous heartbroken musical numbers. Opposite Robyn’s, playing the role of Julie was X Factor finalist Cassie Compton, and the chemistry between the two on stage was almost magical, and is the perfect casting for the production.

Aside from the two lead roles, the stand out performances of the night have to be Ray Quinn as Glen, and Ruth Madoc as Rosie. Quinn, who was also a finalist on the X Factor, did an amazing job in his role of womanising Wall Street trader Glen, channeling serious Leonardo DiCaprio vibes in The Wolf of Wall Street, his performance was possibly one of the best, completely convincing and thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Huge shoutout to Ruth Madoc who’s portrayal of Robbie’s libidinous rapping Grandmother Rosie had the whole audience in hysterics. Madoc’s rap performance of Move That Thang, opposite actor Samuel Holmes who play’s Robbie’s band mate George, was nothing short of genius and I would recommend people watch the show for this performance alone. Gay bandmate George definitely added some funny one-lines to the production, Samuel Holmes comedic timing was impeccable and his Bar Mitzvah musical rendition of ‘George’s Prayer’ was sidesplittingly entertaining.

The Wedding Singer is a high-energy, thoroughly entertaining production with an extremely talented, versatile cast. This reimagined production of the hit film is one not to be missed, so put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party like it’s 1985!

Tickets are available at: www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wedding-singer/opera-house-manchester/

And for more info on the show: www.theweddingsingermusical.co.uk