I will start by being completely honest with you. When I first watched the trailer before going to see the show tonight. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure if I would like it, but after seen the complete show for myself my views on the show have definitely changed.
The show ‘All or Nothing’ is set in the swinging sixties in the East End of London. The show is based on the rise and fall of a well-known and popular band of the time ‘The Small Faces’. ‘The Small Faces’ consisted of four young men: Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Jimmy Winston later replaced in 1965 by Ian McLagan.
Steve was not exactly a “goodie too shoes” at school and played up. With a passion to pursue a musical career, he got a job working in a music shop where later he met Ronnie, Kenny and Jimmy. They formed a band called ‘The Small Faces’ and started playing local gigs. As they grew in popularity, they started playing on TV shows like ‘Top of the Pops’ and touring around the world. But sooner or later the fame got to them and the band fell apart in 1969.
Having personally never heard of ‘The Small Faces’ before, watching the show felt like you went back in time and witnessed the musical culture of the sixties. All the music was played live, which was a nice touch. Both acting and vocals were excellent by all the members of the cast. The story was easy to follow, and the music I quickly got into, so at which point become very enjoyable and I couldn’t wait for them to start singing again.
Photo (above): Me and Tim Edwards, main leading man after the show!
It was narrated by Chris Simmons (famous for acting in TV shows, such as The Bill and Eastenders.) The way he performed his lines was outstanding whether he was on stage or in one of the chairs in the audience. He made the story very easy to follow, with the odd bit of humour thrown in here and there to make it more fun. But the acting overall from the whole cast was again brilliant! The use of lighting and staging were truly on par.
Photo (above): Me and Chris Simmons after the show!
The staff at the theatre were great! They even gave me a free t-shirt! Which I honestly wasn’t expecting. As well as free drinks at the interval. The hospitality at the theatre was really good. I couldn’t fault it in anyway. I could tell just by them talking to me that they had some previous experience helping people with a visual impairment, but at the same time you could always tell that they were not completely sure on what to do in certain situations, like helping me find my seat for example. This is something which maybe they could work on a little more. But I’m just nick picking here, so just something I thought I’d mention.
Photo (above): The ‘All or Nothing’ t-shirt they gave me!
I would highly recommend this show, you don’t have to know anything about “The Small Faces’. I didn’t and I was still able to follow the story with no problem. The music was catchy and vibrant, and you could easily sing along to them (unless your like me and didn’t know the words!) So if you have some free time, go and see this show. It is honestly great fun and a really enjoyable night out.
There was only one down side though…we did manage to get the car locked in the car park! Luckily some came out to let us in. Ah the extra experiences of going to the theatre!
The VI Critic 