Theatre review: What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined at the Menier Chocolate Factory
THE CAST had already received a standing ovation when Burt Bacharach himself came on to play Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.
In an age of jerry-built jukebox musicals this show is a little gem
In an age of jerry-built jukebox musicals this show is a little gem. It is a revue: the composer’s back catalogue is the story, the performers are the musical interpreters. The set is decorated like a 1970s club with sofas, low-level lamps and kelims.
Musicians and singers run through the songs without discernible breaks but it’s what they do with them that is impressive. Without damaging the originals they remake them in various forms: the psychedelic rock version of Message To Michael and the shifting reggae of I’ll Never Fall In Love Again are just two highlights.
Conceived by Bacharach obsessive Kyle Riabko, who takes centre stage, it is an achingly hip musical evening performed by some of the coolest guys in town. Plenty of magic moments here.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? BACHARACH REIMAGINED at the Menier Chocolate Factory until Sept 3. Tickets: 020 7378 1713 menierchocolatefactory.com.