Writer: Michael Gyngell
Co-Director: Samuel Holmes
Co-Director & Choreographer: Nick Winston
Last week the UK was experiencing a spring heatwave and Club Tropicana brings that holiday atmosphere back to Wolverhampton this week with its funny, crazy throwback to the 80s.
Producer Mark Goucher writes in the programme ‘We are not trying to win any prizes but to give you a good night out’ which sums the show up perfectly, it provides an enjoyable night out, but it’s understandable how this production is like marmite, some will love it and some won’t. Those looking for a couple of hours escaping the trials and tribulations of the outside world, will see this as the perfect production to sit back and relax watching.
The plot itself is loose but the second act is stronger at tieing up the loose ends compared to the first act which starts off a bit slow. However, It’s not long before the 80s hits start rolling in and that’s when a dollop of enjoyment factor 50 kicks in. Not only that but what it lacks in plot, it makes up with laughs which never seem to stop.
The comedy at points is extremely funny, but at other points, you can almost hear the cringes from audience members. It’s a bit corny and sometimes a cross between musical theatre, the TV show (and recent stage adaptation) Benidorm, Faulty Towers and pantomime with its witty one lines, risqué picture postcard humour at slapstick humour.
Joe Mcelderry leads the 19 cast members on stage playing the part of Garry, the overtly camp holiday rep. McElderry laps up the role and embraces the fun nature of the show. His sassy remarks role of the tongue and his enjoyment and smile is infectious. If there’s one criticism it’s that his incredible vocal skills aren’t shown off to their full extent here.
It’s Kate Robbins as Consuela who really stands out in the show. Robbins’ smart impressionist skills are shown off as she goes from Tina Turner to Margret Thatcher in a flash. It’s all a bit over the top but she rocks the character and gets some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Club Tropicana is a camp, close to the wire, enjoyable, time warp back to the 80s. It doesn’t hide from what it’s attempting to do and with its huge ensemble numbers and electric choreography this show has appeal thanks to a non-stop highly energetic cast and its funny book. It may not have the strongest plot but it sure brings the sunshine.
*A complimentary ticket was given in exchange for this review. This value for money rating is based on the ticket price value of £39.50 + £3.00 Booking Fee. For more info on this value for money rating please visit here: Introducing a new kind of rating
The Theatre Twittic 
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