REVIEW::Once Upon A Time In Wigan - Live (From The Bolton News)

REVIEW::Once Upon A Time In Wigan - Live

10:33am Saturday 7th June 2008

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THE live seven-piece band belting out Northern Soul classics brings to life this glowing tribute to Wigan Casino's famous all-night sessions.

Obviously, the music that graced the Casino between 1973 and 81 came courtesy of DJs such as Russ Winstanley, so this excellent live band lifts the roof in a completely different way, but only adds to the club feel of this production.

Bolton Octagon

Until June 28

As Wigan Casino opens its doors for the last time, four worlds fall apart.

Rupert Hill, Coronation Street's Jamie Baldwin, is excellent as Eugene, a man whose life is changed by the Northern Soul scene and the girl of his dreams.

The fantastic dancing of Richard Oldham (Danny) is a tribute to choreographer Sandy Holt. Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi, who also appeared in the recent production of Meet the Mukherjees at the Octagon, is fantastic as Danny's sarcastic love-hope Maxine, and Laura Bonnah is in splendid form as the unfortunate Suzanne, who doesn't quite get the scene and doesn't get her man.

Mark Babych's direction allows the action and the music to create a true downbeat Greece for the Northern Soul generation.

This has the same feel as the excellent And Did Those Feet from earlier in the Octagon's 40th season.

Keep the faith!

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