The Big Daddy of dance-driven musicals, 42nd Street is not just a nostalgia trip to the 1930s but a backstage musical that has retained its currency since its theatrical debut in 1980.
Verging on bankruptcy, Broadway producer Julian Marsh (Adam Garcia) gambles on a bold new show.
When his box office draw and all-American diva Dorothy Brock (Ruthie Henshall, channeling a young Gloria Swanson) breaks a foot, Marshal is persuaded to replace her with Peggy Sawyer (Nicole-Lily Baisden), a fresh-off-the-bus newcomer whose talent is untested.
The rest is showbiz history. “You’re going out a youngster” says Marshall to Peggy, “But you’ve got to come back a star.”
No pressure, then.
Jonathan Church’s production from Leicester’s Curve may be a smaller scale version of the Drury Lane juggernaut five years ago but it can hold up its head with pride.
Starting small, with trios of dancers rehearsing in short episodes, it thunders into life as the tap dancing chorus line is finally revealed.
Spectacular sets and costumes accessorise the excellent cast including Sam Lips’ skirt-chasing tenor Billy Lawlor (“He’s a tenor but he’s got base instincts”) as well as Josefina Gabrielle and Les Dennis as the songwriting duo with one foot in Burlesque and the other on Broadway.
The sense of struggle gives it a piquant edge but the showbiz camaraderie, even among the squabbling chorines, comes across strongly. Super.
42nd Street, Sadlers Wells until July 2 Tickets: 020 7863 8000
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