We find out what critics have had to say about the musical based on the hit John Travolta film…
The Guardian: *** “Richard Winsor brings his own qualities to the role of Tony Manero, a brilliant dancer stuck working in a paint shop in 70s Brooklyn. Winsor’s Manero comes across as a thoroughly nice and painfully vulnerable young man. The scenes at home with Manero’s abusive father (Phillip Aiden) lend depth to a production that can feel stuck halfway between a hen night extravaganza and something much darker and more considered.”
The Reviews Hub: *** “It’s a fumble that feels more like a shock-and-awe campaign in the context of 2022 and lacks commentary, care, and construction over the course of the show to be able to redeem such a moment. As the final minutes of Saturday Night Fever descend into a surreal crowd-pleasing Bee Gee megamix, it’s hard not to feel the whiplash of the show’s darker moments.”
WhatsOnStage: ** “No matter how iconic a film may be, sometimes it’s just worth leaving it in the past. An adaptation could amend some of the problems of this piece – particularly the final third of the show where suicide and sexual assault come right after each other, a strange finale for a show that’s supposed to be feel-good.”
Londonist: *** “The combination of full-throttle megahits from a live band and three Bee Gee-like singers and the high-energy set pieces make this often highly enjoyable viewing. Having said that, the action doesn’t always flow smoothly, the dance moves become repetitive towards the end and the dips in tempo can be frustrating.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Saturday Night Fever has a feel good/night out enjoyment factor quite different to the film, but well worth experiencing. Whether you’re a disco fan, a Bee Gees fan, a Strictly Fan, or just want a night of testosterone-fuelled dancing, head for the Peacock Theatre. You won’t be disappointed.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Bill Kenwright’s slick staging loses some of the grit of the film, and the dance numbers tend to be more presentational and synchronised rather than sweaty, organic clubbing, but, to its credit, the show sticks with the story’s dark subject matter. In the dramatic second half, it grapples with sexual assault, racism, domestic abuse, and suicide, and interestingly subverts our expectations around the big set-pieces like the dance competition.”
Saturday Night Fever continues to play at the Peacock Theatre until the 26th March. You can book tickets here.