Ben Elton sure knows how to throw a party – or rather, stage one.
The iconic writer and actor brought his hit comedy musical Tonight’s the Night, based on Rod Stewart’s hits, to the Palace Theatre last night.
A host of soap stars and Elton himself, who studied drama at the University of Manchester, were on the red carpet for the launch of the nationwide tour.
A delighted Elton told MM: “It’s amazing to be bringing the show to Manchester.
“This is where it all started off for me at 18, so to be back at the Palace Theatre is a dream.”
The show sees young and shy mechanic Stuart Clutterbuck make a deal with the devil, trading his own soul for Rod Stewart’s.
Loved-up Stu needs the confidence to confess his feelings to the equally shy Mary, played by Jenna Lee-James.
The transformation by actor Ben Heathcote from geek to strutting sex god is hilarious and delighted the hordes of evidently die-hard Rod Stewart fans.
Heathcote’s voice matched Rod’s exquisitely in some of the ballads, with the rasping quality that we all know and love.
MOVES LIKE JAGGER: Ben Heathcote and Michael McKell rock out
We see the new-and-improved Stu tour America in the company of Mick Jagger-esque ‘Stoner’, played by Michael McKell, whose Cockney drawl and mannerisms were irresistible.
But Stu is caught between wanting a hedonistic life on the road and a life with Mary, meaning much heartbreak ensues.
While the plot is the show’s weakest element, it really doesn’t seem to matter – the audience is there for the music.
Many songs had the crowd singing along at full volume, with the band on stage creating the atmosphere of a concert as much as a musical.
Rod’s best-loved songs are tied in expertly with the plot and subtly transformed into show tunes while retaining their original appeal.
TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! Ensemble cast on stage
So enthralling was the music, one gruff voice burst out with ‘Come on!’ during Mary’s beautiful rendition of the melancholy I Don’t Want to Talk About It.
It may have ruined the poignant moment but was nonetheless met with laughter and cheering from the rest of the audience.
Another stand-out performer was Jade Ewen of the recently-split Sugababes, playing Mary’s friend Dee Dee who is caught up in her own heartache.
Ewen has a softer, more soulful voice than the rest of the cast but arguably received the loudest applause of the night.
The ensemble brought the music to life; their energetic combination of violin playing and line dancing in You Wear it Well was especially memorable.
Tonight’s the Night celebrates a musical hero and had the audience on its feet countless times – complete with white paper hats for the finale Sailing.
This feel-good, nostalgic show is at the Palace Theatre until Saturday, before touring the country until July.
Book your tickets here.
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