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For disco enthusiasts, the show presents an invaluable chance to relive the magic of the 1970s with singing, dancing and an irresistible setlist.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Lost in Music: One Night at the Disco offers an electric evening of 1970s disco music, giving the audience the opportunity to dance and sing along as loudly as possible. The show is neither a concert, nor jukebox musical but a genre-defying hybrid. It almost feels sacrilegious to be sitting in a theatre where photography, filming, and audience participation is actively encouraged, but it does create a feeling of shared celebration.
By the third song, the infectious beats have the entire audience on their feet, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Timeless hits, like ‘Car Wash’, ‘Coming Out’ and ‘We Are Family’ are yelled by the audience, who know every word. It was extremely hot in the Adelphi Theatre (the warm weather London is currently experiencing didn’t help) and the vigorous dancing was tiring. However, the slower songs, such as ‘After the Love Has Gone’ and ‘Fantasy’, provide the audience with well-deserved moments of respite.
During the interval, the queue for the ice cream stand was ridiculously long – a great way of keeping cool with the bonus of soothing your throat from all the singing. I overheard excitable conversations with audience members eagerly sharing their enthusiasm for the show.
The stage is full of performers: two guitarists, a drummer, keyboard player, trio of brass musicians and six singers. Under the musical direction of Tony Wood (who also plays the keys), a cohesive ensemble is formed, delivering a crowd-pleasing setlist. Kevin Cole, Bilal Aygei, Jackie Walters, Natalie Collins and Taryn Charles take it in turns to lead and they each excel. The band and vocalists particularly exhibit their musical talents when they perform music medleys, cutting and fusing different songs. Favourites include the Chic medley with ‘Freak Out’/ ‘Greatest Dancer’/ ‘Good Times’.
The singers don’t have much space to move around but they still unleash their disco fingers and manage an electric slide or two. Although the dance moves aren’t overly complex, they add an extra layer of excitement and engagement for the audience whilst evoking 70s nostalgia. The flashing lights successfully recreate the pulsating atmosphere of a disco. Sometimes lighting queues were missed, but this didn’t matter, as everyone was too busy grooving to the music to notice. With practice through shows, this will undoubtedly improve across the tour.
The initial outfits the ensemble wear are reminiscent of a superhero league, capes and all. They change after a couple of songs though, and as the set progresses the costumes improve. Even feather boas match sparkly dresses, flares and wide-collared shirts, adding to the visual appeal.
Undoubtedly, Lost in Music is an acquired taste. It will appeal to those already keen on disco music, rather than attracting typical theatregoers. It caters to avid fans of the 70s era, and it certainly lives up to those expectations.
During the finale, the host, Cole, repeatedly thanked the event organisers, singers and band; with the crowd dutifully applauding each time. This did get repetitive, but Cole’s enthusiasm is infectious. Besides, they deserve it: Lost in Music is a fantastic show.
Produced by: Entertainers
Musical Direction by: Tony Wood
Lost in Music: One Night at the Disco plays around the UK until December 2023. Further information and bookings can be found here.
