Swinging at the Cotton Club promises to be an “action-packed show celebrating the music, dance, and songs of the Cotton Club – New York City’s legendary nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s” and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Featuring Jazz classics by the likes of Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Fats Waller performed by the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, two excellent vocalists and accompanied by some incredible dancers this was an outstanding night’s entertainment at Theatre Royal Wakefield.
The music was a joy to listen to throughout with all the instruments perfectly mixed and balanced in each number. Furthermore, each member of the Orchestra got their own opportunity to shine in a solo performance, the most memorable for me being the incredible drum solo “Drum Crazy”. These were some very fine musicians and even the odd bum note on the trumpet didn’t spoil this evening.
Whilst the music was incredible on its own, the vocalists brought another dimension to the evening with the soulful voice of Marlene Hill and the versatile Megs Etherington, who also acted as our compare for the evening. Hill was a pleasure to watch with her classy vocal performance captivating the audience. Etherington set a relaxed tone to the evening as he introduced us to the each of the performers with witty sarcasm but a certain charm that enabled him to appear so laid back. His vocals were also good, a little pub-singer at times, but he certainly had more class – more so in his act two costume then the horrible green jacket he wore to open the show! 
The real highlight of the evening however had to come from the incredibly talented Jiving Lindy Hoppers who brought real authenticity to their dancing that emulated the 20s and 30s. They were energetic and captivating to watch each member of the troupe bringing their own personality. Special guests in the form of duo from “Grounded Moves” were truly excellent but the standout performance came from Lee Payne who tap-danced his way through some breathtaking routines. His precision and musicality was flawless and it was one of those times where you genuinely feel in awe of someone’s talent.
This was an excellent night of entertainment by some truly wonderful performers that it almost cheapened it at the end when they encouraged people from the stalls onto stage to join in the finale to It Don’t Mean A Thing If Ain’t Got That Swing (although I must say some of those brave volunteers were actually rather good!) That aside, you certainly felt at times that you had been transported back to the Cotton Club and overall this was an authentic and highly enjoyable step back in time.
Reviewer: Ashley Price
Reviewed: 20th February 2016
