one4review | On 09, Aug 2025

As a big 80’s fan I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this one and I wasn’t disappointed. The auditorium consisting of an age range from 19 to 80 (See what I did there) had an air of expectancy as everyone waited to be taken back to what in my opinion was the best decade of music and film ever! Set in a time when no one had a mobile phone, Instagram was a baby powder milk measure and facebook was simply a photograph album, this trip down memory lane was sold out, but how do you fit a decade of great movies and music into one hour!

The energetic Maia and Will get the show going with a four-piece live band and large screen behind them. Dressed in classic 80’s clothing, they belt out songs from nostalgic movies such as Back to the future, Never Ending Story, Top Gun, Mannequin, The Breakfast Club, Fame, Flashdance, Footloose and Dirty Dancing. Clips from the famous movies were shown on the back drop screen which complimented the music very well and added to the nostalgia.

There was a row of five reserved seats at the front that were filled by what I think were friends of the show who were there to encourage everyone to get up and dance as they seemed over enthusiastic and were up dancing and singing along to every song, if they were there to encourage a better atmosphere is certainly was not needed as everyone in the audience that were able to stand were on their feet dancing away to the well known and much loved songs from the 80’s. The occasional song didn’t quite hit the high note but it was barely noticed. There was even a bit of humour throughout the show as the band members did a bit of improv acting when the opportunity arose especially the keyboard player who was hilarious.

This was a feel-good party in full swing and the trip down memory lane left everyone feeling warmer than wearing a blue shell suit or rainbow leggings on a hot summer’s day! This marvellous show ended with a big sing along and a well-deserved standing ovation.

*****

 Reviewed by Steve J

Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall

20.50 to 21.40

Until 23rd August