REVIEW - Dreamgirls opens at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre - The Redditch Standard

REVIEW - Dreamgirls opens at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre

Redditch Editorial 8th Dec, 2022 Updated: 8th Dec, 2022   0

THE winter blues and money worries were banished for one freezing cold night only with the sensational Dreamgirls show hot from the West End.

We follow The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – as these three promising young singers follow theirs in this 1960s-based tale of the harsh realities of America’s cut-throat music industry.

Picture of UK Tour company by Matt Crockett. © Dreamgirls UK Tour 2021

Fame and fortune follow but with all the trials and tribulations that come with it that push their friendship to the limit, and it’s all delivered with some familiar classics belted out in fine fashion.

Nicole Raquel Dennis was a standout as Effie, bringing the house to its feet in applause at the end of the first act with the spine-tingling And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.




Fans of this award-winning show will know Nicole was mentored by Jennifer Hudson herself on The Voice when she was a finalist in 2019, and it certainly showed here.

Paige Preddie was great too as Lorrell, adding comic lines and humour to the mood.


Picture of UK Tour company by Matt Crockett. © Dreamgirls UK Tour 2021

With a warehouse-style sparse backdrop, the dance moves and stage presence had to be the focus besides the big lighting rig, and the performers did deliver.

Brandon Lee Sears as Jimmy was grooving across the stage like James Brown in his prime which got the crowd going.

He was well supported by the commanding performances of Matt Mills and Jo Servi as Curtis and Marty respectively.

There’s some impressive and fast costume (and wig!) changes too in this fast-paced show with a talented ensemble cast who help create the 60s dance groove.

You can catch Dreamgirls at The Alexandra Theatre until December 31.

Click here for times, tickets and more information.

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