The Wedding Singer at The New Theatre Cardiff Review

If there's one thing I love doing, then it's going to a theatre and watching a musical. When the New Theatre got in touch to see if I'd like to attend The Wedding Singer, I jumped at the chance for a mummies night out.

The Wedding Singer has always been an iconic film for me and I personally think it has been Adam Sandler's best movie to date. There was also something special about the chemistry between him and Drew Barrymore. Whenever I watch the film I am filled with laughter, tears and of course a good sing song. So how would the musical compare to the film?

For those that don't know the story, It's set in the 80's and is about a wannabe rockstar, Robbie Hart who is a wedding singer. He is set to marry Linda but is jilted at the alter which sends him into despair. He starts a friendship with sweet Julia who is a waitress at the wedding venue he performs at. Their friendship blossoms but Julia is engaged to Glen who is filthy rich and extremely arrogant. Robbie realises that Glen is cheating on Julia but will the truth be revealed and their true feelings exposed before it's too late?

This musical production is directed and produced by Nick Winston who has an accolade of musical theatre shows behind him. The main cast is as follows:
Jon Robyns as Robbie Hart
Cassie Compton as Julia 
Ray Quinn as Glen
Ruth Madoc as Grandma Rosie
Roxanne Pallett as Holly
Ashley Emerson as Sammy
Samuel Holmes as George 

Before the musical started I felt transported back to the 80's with various clips from that decade showing on a big screen (which is part of the set). We were then shown a Back to the Future style image projecting today's date and a date from 1985 which indicated the shows start.

The show starts with a bang with an impressive set, lighting, costumes and of course music.

My favourite part of the production has to be the cast. Every body exceeded my expectation in their roles. Jon Robyns was outstanding as Robbie Hart. You felt an instant connection with him and you were routing from him from start to finish. His charm and comical nature had me hooked. His vocals were brilliant. When he sang 'Somebody Kill Me', he had the audience singing along with him and laughing at how well he had portrayed it. That is a pivotal part of the film and Jon was able to do it the justice it deserved.

The chemistry between Robbie and Julia was great. Their harmonies complimented one another perfectly. Cassie played the role of sweet and innocent Julia wonderfully. Even though the character is shy and quiet, it didn't stop Cassie's stage presence shining through.   

One of my favourite roles in the show was that of George played by Samuel Holmes. I warmed to him instantly. He was a comedy genius in the production.

The set, lighting and costumes blew me away. I genuinely felt like I was in the 80's. The hair and fashion were on trend for that era and the props and adverts took you right back.

I was surprised not to hear the same songs from the film as the music is one of the parts that make that film magical but I have to say I didn't miss them. Sandler's own songs 'Somebody Kill Me and Grow Old With You' feature but the rest are originals for the show. The songs were catchy and a great balance of solos, duets, upbeat and ballads. The choreography was superb and a particular favourite part of mine was seeing some of the Thriller dance moves.

Overall, I loved the show. You don't need to have seen The Wedding Singer to enjoy the musical production as it's a show in it's own right. Those that have seen the film will not be disappointed. It was a hit with all of us.

Image taken by Cathryn of Cardiff Mummy Says. From left to right is, Jo from First Time Valley Mum, Sally from TeddyBears and Cardigans, Alina from We Made This Life, Kerry (me) from All about a mini Norris, Georgina from Pixie Does and Cathryn from Cardiff Mummy Says.

The show is running at the New Theatre Cardiff until Sunday 4th March. You can book your tickets here, Book. It runs for approximately 2 hours 35 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 plus (although I will say there are a few scenes which are a little rude so it may be better for older children).

You can also view the rest of the tour dates here, The Wedding Singer.

*Thank you to the New Theatre for providing tickets for the show. All opinions are my own*





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