MUSICAL groups may change line-ups over the years but the songs remain the same.
That certainly applies to the hit- making musical machine that became The Drifters - recording and performing superstars on both sides of the Atlantic.
Since George Treadwell and Clyde McPhatter formed the band in 1963, there have been 60 different vocalists . . . that's nearly the same amount of managers Chelsea have gone through.
The Drifters (were and still) are a premier act.
This new musical (born in 2020) tells the oft-complex story of how The Drifters came to have legendary status.
George died in 1967 and his feisty wife Faye took control.
Her involvement is the backdrop to this musical - a lively biographical piece of American musical history.
Faye is played by West End star Carly Mercedes Dyer.
She tells her daughter how she became a trailblazer in the male - dominated industry.
A couple of her power ballad styled songs helps the narrative along as Carly displays a fine soaring voice.
There are plenty of scenes where the dialogue means you have to keep abreast of the changing personnel in the group and soak in plenty of detailed dates and times.
The show really does step up a massive pace when he hear those perennial pop classics.
The Drifters had the luxury of Ben E. King and Johnny Moore in their ranks and their contribution is suitably highlighted here.
A rousing Stand By Me is anthemic.
It is a two-and-a-half hour journey down memory lane - one we have all walked along.
I recall The Drifters Greatest Hits playing on our Dansett record player when I was a kid.
Hearing the innocent lyrics of teenage courtship certainly brings the memories back for many people.
There are 24 songs featured - not all in their entirety - and some in medley form.
It is a veritable jukebox of hits: Saturday night at the movies, Under the boardwalk, Save the last dance for me and a magical version of This magic moment.
That's just four of their chart toppers performed with tight harmonies and delightful dance movements.
Back projections add to the visuals and humour plays a big part especially when the Drifters come to Liverpool on tour (how's that for dramatic irony?) and the Scouse accent is used to maximum effect much to the delight of the Empire audience.
The Drifters Girl covers a lot of ground when telling one of the lesser-known showbiz stories.
The show culminates in a real get-up-out of your seat finale.
Verdict: Four stars
Nostalgia on Tap
The show is on until Saturday
Tickets from Atgtickets.com/liverpool
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel