Club Tropicana production images

Currently on a tour of the UK, Club Tropicana, written by Michael Gyngell is a new jukebox musical of 1980s hits, including songs such as Girls just wanna have fun, I just can’t get enough, Relax and so many more.

Producer Mark Goucher describes Club Tropicana as a musical that “nods to the fun that young people had in the 80s”. That spirit of fun definitely transcended to the audience who were in high spirits throughout the show. The story is set in a troubled Spanish Holiday resort where Garry and the hotel staff are awaiting a hotel inspection to see if they can win the Best Hotel of the Year prize. The plot also tells of Lorraine who leaves her fiancé Olly at the alter but then the heartbroken couple end up at the same resort on separate holidays with their best friends. Throw in a hilarious Spanish maid, a plotting rival, the chance of reunited love and you have the ultimate cheesy night out. 

The plot may not be a theatre masterpiece but directors Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston have delivered a production that definitely brings joy and laughter to the audience. The musical is peppered with 80s hits led by a strong cast who perform the nostalgic vibrant choreography by choreographer Nick Winston with energy and charisma. I also enjoyed the bright, dazzling, colourful set and costume design by Diego Pitarch which transported me straight to the 80s and to the sunny beautiful country of Spain. 

There are stand out comedic performances from Joe McElderry as flamboyant hotel worker Garry, Kate Robbins as hilarious Spanish maid Consuela and Emily Tierney as plotting hotel rival Christine. All three created moments where the audience could not control their laughter around me. Some of my highlights were McElderry with his flamenco dance, Robbins with every scene and line that she delivered and Tierney with her eccentric karaoke song Temptation. 

We were also treated to beautiful vocals from both Amelle Berrabah, Serena, and Karina Hind, Lorraine, with a particularly enjoyable version of Take On Me,  the lovers duet between Olly (Cellen Chugg Jones) and Lorraine.

Despite the title of the musical, no Wham! songs actually feature in the show, however, this didn’t seem to affect the Wolverhampton audience on Press Night as they partied along to the 80s Megamix at the end of the night. After a long day at work, Club Tropicana put a smile on my face and brightened my Monday evening with 80s cheese, fun and laughter and sometimes isn’t that all we want from theatre? 

DT

Theatretastic rating:

3.5/5

We say: “Club Tropicana is the ultimate 80s treat for a night full of laughter, nostalgia and sangria! #holidaymode activated!”