42nd Street brings dazzle and poise to Leeds Grand Theatre with 'one to watch' star

42nd Street is at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday, July 29

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Legendary show 42nd Street is a spectacular of impecable dancing, dazzling costumes, impressive vocals, demonstrating the importance of a perfectly rehearsed dance number.

The show, based on a book, which was turned into a film in 1933 starring Ginger Rodgers, is the longest running Broadway show ever It. tells of Peggy Sawyer's mission to get into a Broadway show. She faces a number of obstacles and let downs along the way, but when a glamorous superstar gets injured, it is her chance to "come off the stage a star".

The deeply meta ‘42nd Street’ sees a fast-talking, hard-working gang of Depression-era New York dancers all eagerly attempting to break Broadway with a show called ‘Pretty Lady’. Thus, there are many references to the audience during the production making it feel like you are going back in time to a 1930s stage.

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The 42nd Street production is nothing without its dance sequences which were every bit as impeccable as you would hope. Title number '42nd Street' left chills and 'We're In The Money' was even more spectacular with its eye-catching dance sequences, costumes, props, and impressive ensemble vocals.

Best known for her time of EastEnders role, Samantha Womack impressed with her stunning vocals. She had a delightful poise on stage and added a great comedic element to the role of Dorothy Brock. Sam Lips was the perfect casting for Billy Lawlor: he’s a perfectly precise dancer, with stunning lines, and has a mighty tenor. It took a while for his chemistry to grow in the first half with Nicole-Lily's character Peggy but the pair settle into it during the second half.

It was nice to see Faye in a different role as Maggie Jones - which is generally played by slightly older cast mate. The Steps singer added great light and shade to the role and definitely generated the most laughs with Maggie's one liners and sarcasm. Her singing voice was beautiful and had that perfect sweet-sounded 'singing-in-a-tin-can voice' associated with 1930s Broadway.

Les Dennis generates a lot of laughs of stage in his supporting role of writer Bert Barry. Unfortunately, he didn't really get chance to stand out in the more serious moments.

But it was hard to focus on anyone other than Nicole Lily Basiden. Her luminous smile beamed throughout the whole theatre as she did not stop tippity-tapping on stage in fiery routines. She is the perfect chorus girl. The former Anything Goes star retained an element of Peggy's constant puppy-like excitement through every step, line, and note. Her performance absolutely deserved the standing ovation at the end of the show. Whatever this 25-year-old does in the future she is certainly one to watch.

You can catch 42nd Street at Leeds Grand Theatre through to Saturday, July 29. You can find out more here.

Full cast list (in order of appearance):

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