Maria Friedman directs this revival of Richard Harris’s 1984 comedy, starring Amanda Holden and Tracy-Ann Oberman. But what have critics been saying about it?
The Stage: *** “Maria Friedman orchestrates this sometimes episodic play with feeling and craft.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “Harris’ play is broadly enjoyable and its central message – about being a friend and the importance of having friends – is a message to admire. It’s just a pity that these women don’t feel more than suggestions of real people: clichés cloud the roles.”
Carn’s Theatre Passion: **** “This is a fun feel-good show with meaty characterisation.”
The Daily Mail: *** “It’s Calendar Girls meets A Chorus Line on a shoestring.”
Evening Standard: *** “Maria Friedman’s affectionate production struggles sufficiently to animate this rather flat – and dated – material and it’s a long slog towards the inevitable jazz hands finale.”
The Guardian: *** “the show builds neatly to its can-do, feelgood, tap-dancing finale.”
London Theatre1: ***** “Stepping Out is really not to be missed – step on up to the Vaudeville to catch this sparkling gem of a show.”
Time Out: ** “an eleventh-hour injection of psychological complexity and a razzle-dazzle finale save it from utter dullness. But sequins or no sequins, if it were any more middle-of-the-road you could tarmac it in place and use it as a traffic island.”
Broadway World: *** “this Calendar Girls-meets-Chorus Line piece is inarguably successful as toe-tapping, big-hearted entertainment, and should join Strictly in getting Britain’s dance classes packed out.”
Live Theatre UK: ** “contrast, confusion – but not much in the way of character.”
Radio Times: *** “Stepping Out is often very funny, moving and played with such charm that’s it’s difficult not to like. And the Chorus Line-style finale cannot fail to leave you with a smile on your face.”
Stepping Out is now playing at the Vaudeville Theatre. To book tickets visit: Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.