Review: New Wimbledon Theatre show is one for Dusty Springfield fans
While I thought the staging was innovative, I felt that the story was rather weak and contrived. However, it was great to hear Dusty's music delivered by the multi-talented cast of 'Son of a Preacher Man.'
Directed by Craig Revel Horwood and written by Warner Brown, the show follows three principal characters, Paul, Alison and Kat played by Michael Howe, Debra Stephenson and Diana Vickers respectively. Each have their own reason for searching for an old record shop which used to be found in Soho in the Sixties. The shop is now a coffee shop owned by Simon (Ian Reddington), the son of the previous owner who was known as the Preacher Man.
These four main actors, all well known with impressive theatrical CVs, are supported by a superb cast of actors/singers/dancers/musicians (which I suppose we must now refer to as quadruple threat) and, as with many shows these days, they are also scene shifters!
I was particularly taken by the harmonies of the Cappuccino Sisters and wondered if their presence was a nod to Dusty's membership of the Lana Sisters very early in her career, and also Liam Vincent-Kilbride who played Mike, although that may have had something to do with the fact that he wore a kilt for Act II.
While it isn't the best show which I've seen recently, it is entertaining especially for fans of Dusty Springfield and incorporates all her famous hits including a couple of my personal favourites, 'The Look of Love' and 'A House is not a Home' so for me at least, the best thing about 'Son of a Preacher Man' is the music.
By Anne Horsburgh
November 15, 2017