The Boy Friend

By John Thaxter for The Stage


At the close of a wondrous first night of song, dance and comedy, the audience gave Sandy Wilson a richly-deserved standing ovation as he stepped briskly on to the Theatre Royal stage, almost 50 years to the day since his enchanting musical first aired.

This evergreen show, an affectionate pastiche of the twenties, is neither spoof nor parody but a work in its own right, perfectly recaptured in Martin Connor's strongly cast, superbly designed and costumed touring revival, with outstanding choreography by Connor's regular collaborator Bill Deamer. Our delight lies in their loving attention to detail.

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The Boy Friend @ The Lowry
By Philip Radcliffe for Manchester online

CAN it really be half a century since Cheshire-born Sandy Wilson wowed the West End with his top-hole, tongue-in-cheek, tune-filled take on the 1920s?

Well, yes, and this sparkling, 50th anniversary production proves that the classic creation is as fresh, and refreshing, as ever.

It is sheer escapism and pure joy, frolicsome fun on the Riviera, where gay young things attending Mme Dubonnet’s finishing school do the Charleston with polite young men in blazers and white flannels.

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