REVIEW | The Drifters Girl, UK Tour
Written by Emmie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Caution: This production contains haze effects, flashing lights, and pyrotechnics
Nominated for Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards, The Drifters Girl is a smash-hit production that is currently heading across the UK after a successful run in the West End. The Drifters Girl unravels the remarkable story of the woman who made the band, exposing the highs but also the almighty lows of their journey. It's an interesting glimpse into one of the most unique stories from the music industry of all time.
Notably this production has similarities with other productions like Ain’t Too Proud which recently closed in the West End. It's another production that uses some of the most notable songs from music history, which in this case includes ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’, ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’, and ‘Stand By Me’, but what musicals of this style do is provide bold context to sit around it.
The Drifters Girl tells the story of Faye Treadwell’s journey. When her husband George died in 1967, she brought out all of the partners and became the group’s manager. This show portrays what was like to be a female in the music industry at that time, but more importantly as an African-American woman. The ambition, determination, drive, and desire to fulfill her dreams oozes from this story and Loren Anderson’s strong performance as Faye Treadwell.
The group themselves went through a lot of alterations and this is expertly portrayed by the individuals who bring The Drifters to life. Ashford Campbell, Ethan Davis, Miles Anthony Daley, and Tarik Frimpong have an almighty task of ensuring the audience can keep up with the pace at which change takes place within the group. They all transition between different characters and they soared at this.
The story is told through the eyes of Faye reflecting on her journey alongside her daughter, played by Jaydah Bell-Ricketts. It does help to give a better understanding of what is unfolding, however, there were times that the book felt slightly slow in its delivery. The story is heavily supported by the songs which create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Talking of theatrical experience - Ben Cracknell’s lighting design partnered with Antony Ward’s set design and Andrez Goulding’s video design is awe-inspiring. The space is vast and there’s little ‘set’ as such but with the support of these design aspects, it breathes more life into the overall finish. The lighting beautifully enhances different areas of the space whereas the set design expands and contracts smoothly.
There is no doubt that The Drifters Girl comes armed with a fascinating story that will inspire and take you on an almighty rollercoaster of emotions. A powerful piece of theatre which enhances the story of a woman.
On a UK tour until 11 May 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
