An Officer and a Gentleman is a 80s jukebox musical that is based on the 1980s film starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger. The story follows Zack Mayo, a young man going through the rigours training to become an officer in the military and his romance with the head strong factory girl, Paula. This show is filled with the best 80s music and pop culture references, that will make you feel nostalgic no matter what age you are.

The cast is led by Jonny Fines as Zack Mayo and Emma Williams as Paula Pokrifki, the factory girl just looking for a way out of a dead end town. Williams gives an outstanding vocal performance, bringing a raw emotion to her performance that lifts the character from the ordinary to the extraordinary. There are some exceptional performances from many of the female cast including a rousing rendition of This is a man’s world.

Although this production is filled with some outstanding performances of the biggest songs of the 80s, at certain points the songs add very little to the overall story. Occasionally this begins to feel as though the songs are being forced into a point in the performance, making the show disjointed and sometimes can be lacking that emotionally connection which would take this show to the next level.

The set and costumes were designed by Michael… The cold grey walls, were a fantastic back drop of the army base and training. Coupled with projection gave a perfect back drop for this classic love story.

Overall, An Officer and a Gentleman is show that never really gets going. They have filled it with so many great songs that should get the audience clapping and singing along but unfortunately it just fell flat as songs were just rushed over. This show does have some undoubtedly have some fantastic moments, however struggles to sweep the audience off their feet.    ★★★☆☆   Georgina Randall    16^th May 2018