Hooray for Hollywood

Review by Martine Silkstone.

Have you ever thought you were born in the wrong era? That you are, actually, deeply connected to a time long gone?

I, for one, have always thought that I should have been around in the golden age of Hollywood. The musicals, the dancers, the movie stars: Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly…true icons all.

It truly was a golden age and I take real delight in the joy and romance of it all.

So, it was with great pleasure that I headed to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds last night for Joe Stilgoe and Liza Pulman’s latest show: Hooray for Hollywood.

Last seen here in 2024, the talented duo are back on tour and performing songs from everyone’s favourite musicals - both old and new.

And for super-fans like me, it is such a treat.

The show features tunes from West Side Story, High Society, My Fair Lady, Top Hat, Mary Poppins, La La Land and Wicked, not to mention a wonderful pared down version of ‘If I Only Had a Brain’ from The Wizard of Oz, featuring Joe on the double bass and Liza on the kazoo - both also singing, of course!

There’s also a film score mash up with just a hint of Jaws. In short - something for everyone.

Special mention for the gorgeous rendition of ‘Sunrise Sunset’ from Fiddler on the Roof. I have loved this song for many years but it has gained extra emotional impact since my children have grown up.

‘Wasn't it yesterday, When they were small?’

But, then, that’s the beauty of musicals, isn’t it? It may seem a strange concept - actors just bursting into song in the middle of a scene - but the music and lyrics somehow manage to convey feelings we so often struggle to put into words; they are the beautiful, emotional backbone of a story, moving us to laughter, love or tears through the notes played.

But I digress…

Alongside all the great music, you also get Joe and Liza’s friendly banter, a little Hollywood history and the chance to join in with a Sound of Music classic (though I’m not sure we nailed it in Bury St Edmunds, to be honest).

Yes, Hooray for Hollywood is easy, fun entertainment - an evening guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted.

Note: Liza is back at The Apex in November with her Streisand tribute show and, having heard her voice, I’m guessing it’s going to be great! Find all the details HERE.

Hooray for Hollywood continues its UK tour until November. Find all the available dates HERE.