One of the most iconic films of the 1980’s is currently on tour in its musical form, and last night, ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ flew into the Wolverhampton Grand. Combining the original story with high octane vocal performances of 1970’s and 80’s classics, this is the very definition of the term ‘crowd pleaser’. If you love the film, and the audience certainly did, then you will love this show.

An Officer and a Gentleman is, primarily, a love story. It tells of a group of disparate hopefuls who all want to become pilots but are all fighting their own demons along the way. Key are the rebellious Zack Mayo, trying to find his place in the world after the death of his mother, and Sid Worley, who is stepping into his dead brothers shoes. They are under the leadership of fierce, no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley, with most of the group expected not to finish the course (DOF). The recruits are warned about the local girls, most of whom work at the local factory, and are notorious for trying to ensnare pilots, in the search for a better life. When Zack and Sid meet factory girls Paula and Lynette, their fates become entwined as romance takes hold. But is love the real deal, and will the two couples make it to an happy ending?

An Officer and a Gentleman isn’t the perfect musical by any means. That said, it has a lot to recommend it. The cast is uniformly excellent, showing both acting prowess and some real vocal power. Standouts include the leads Luke Baker and Julia Jones as Zack and Paula, both fighting demons and giving real depth to their roles. As Lynette and Sid, Sinead Long and Paul French have a wonderful chemistry, whilst Jamal Kane Crawford is a standout as the Sergeant, no mean feat when taking on the iconic role made famous by Louis Gossett Jr. I also loved the spiky, feisty performance of sole female recruit Seegar, as played by Mia Harrison. Melanie Masson, who found fame in The X Factor, is lovely as Esther, and has a great partnership with Wendi Marriot as Aunt Bunny, who shows a stunning vocal range.

The set is very clever, and is almost an extra cast member, as we are moved from a bar, to a motel, to the mess. The musical numbers don’t always hit home, some are unrecognisable for their originals, but many are good, for instance, the smart, sassy Material Girl, performed as a tribute to Madonna playing Marilyn by Sinead Long, and the classic ‘Up where we belong’ which provides the life affirming, ultimate crowd pleasing ending.

If you love your 80’s songs, and a classic 80’s movie, then this is the perfect musical for you to wallow in nostalgia and romance.

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

24 Sep–28 Sep 2024

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, click here for ticket information

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