Due to the indisposition of Carly Mercedes Dyer, at this performance Loren Anderson was leading lady Faye Treadwell. Anderson lacked the emotion needed to lead this show and really connect the story with the audience. At pivotal moments which should have been hard hitting and gasp worthy fell flat and passed the audience by. The show stopping heartfelt emotional ballad ‘Harlem Child’ felt underwhelming and anticlimactic. At times it was difficult to hear Anderson’s vocal as the band were overpowering her but she was resilient and overcame these sound issues. It’s worth noting that the tour has recently opened and Anderson’s lack of time on stage in the role may be a factor in this performance lacking certain elements. Given time on this mammoth tour, Anderson will grow into the role and be impressing audiences up and down the country.

Playing parts including The Drifters are musical theatre stars Ashford Campbell, Miles Anthony Daley, Tarik Frimpong and X Factor Winner Dalton Harris. These talented men combine flawless vocals with incredible energy and acting, with sincerity and impeccable comic timing. The vocal group appeared to have been performing together almost as long as The Drifter’s themselves as the harmonies between them were impressive. Campbell in particular stood out for the right reasons with his emotive nuances and portrayal of his characters. Campbell’s vocal truly is the highlight of the show belting ‘Under The Boardwalk’ to the back rows. Jaydah Bell-Ricketts plays the role of ‘Girl’ and performs well with the limited material and time she is given on stage.