Review: HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD, Duchess Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The Hollywood musical conjures up many images in the mind. The voluminous chorus lines of Busby Berkeley, the hypnotic dance moves of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire perhaps. How about the sweeping orchestral scores of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers? Or even the velvet tones of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra? Wherever the imagination takes us we land somewhere in the classic era of Hollywood. Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe do them proud in this highly polished tribute to some of the greatest musicals ever written and committed to the silver screen.
The Duchess Theatre adapts perfectly to a simple piano and voice line-up. Here, Liza Pulman, a member of distinguished vocal group Fascinating Aida, combines well with classically trained pianist Joe Stilgoe. A broad selection of songs incorporates both duets and solo spots. They quickly develop a rapport with a receptive audience whom enjoy the ensuing banter.
The first part of the show skips along at a brisk pace as the duo feature songs from Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris and The Wizard of Oz. The standout selection from modern musical theatre is Wicked. 'For Good' is beautifully sung with crystal clear diction by Pulman. An unexpected interlude follows as she leaves the stage and Stilgoe runs through a medley of movie tunes, all of which are highly entertaining but tend to break the rhythm somewhat.
During the second half, they move smoothly through a smart selection of classic show tunes from Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady. There is a section devoted to the films of Fred Astaire and the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Stephen Sondheim is front and centre as the focus falls on the seminal West Side Story. The finale is a glorious mash-up of 'Do Re Mi' from The Sound of Music. It was audience participation time as everyone attempted to sing and stand in tune!
Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe are highly talented and accomplished performers. They have tremendous presence and happily send themselves up, which only endears them to the audience. However, with a single piano, the show's format struggles to break out of 'cabaret/cruise ship' mode. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but we would love to see them backed by a full orchestra.
Also, the emphasis on classic show tunes may limit the show's appeal to the over 40s. They do feature modern show tunes, but will inevitably fall back on nostalgia. Maybe it's time a younger generation discover these songs which remain classics in any era. What better introduction than a show starring Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe, two skilled practitioners in the art of entertainment.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Hooray for Hollywood continues to tour the UK until November 2026, with further info here.