A Slice of Saturday Night

Review by the Bolton News

CATS Youth Theatre put on toe tapping show stopping performance as they brought A Slice of Saturday Night to the stage.

The production was quality and simply stunning and well suited to this young talented cast who made this ambitious and challenging musical look effortless. Set in a 1960s nightclub, it explores the issues of young people facing adulthood.

Back in the swinging 60s, the 17-year-olds faced the complexities of love, the Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus argument, drugs and sex. Actually not that different from the issues facing teenagers today! This is what makes this musical so appealing, bringing back memories for those a little older, and for younger members of the audience the shock reality that their parents went through exactly what they are now going through! Under the skilful direction of Louise Cohen, the cast gave a dazzling performance.

Their excellence was reflected in the fact they were able to act, sing, be comical while exploring serious issues facing young people, then and today, all at the same time - a no mean feat.

Scenes from this vibrant production would not look out of place if they were being showcased in the annual Royal Variety Show.

A fantastic cast gave a superb performance; their energy was infectious with the audience unable to hide their delight and appreciation.

Matthew Howard, who plays Eric the night club owner, was hugely entertaining and utterly convincing. Sadly this will be his last time in a CATS production as he is off to university, but what a high to go out on. His performance was perfectly complemented by more than an able cast, which included the brilliant singer Sally Whittingham, and the hilarious yet so believable Chris Whitehead who played Rick. Although it seems rather unfair to single out individuals as they were all real professionals.

Young people of Bolton should go and see it as they will be able to relate to it, and the older people of the town should watch it and enjoy a trip down memory lane.

A hugely entertaining evening for both is guaranteed.

Kat Dibbits

A selection of pictures from the show appears below.