REVIEW: Blonde Bombshells of 1943

They can act, sing, dance and boy can they play their instruments '“ some of them several '“ and leave the audience thoroughly entertained, going by Tuesday night's show at Worthing's Connaught Theatre.

This is a musical comedy that is at times sad, slapstick, rude, funny, heartwarming and leaves you going home with a smile on your face and a tune in your head.

The Blonde Bombshells is a band of women aiming to boost the morale of the World War II troops with music and song.

Band leader Betty (Rebekah Hughes) has once again lost half the number after a tour of GI camps and auditions are being held to replace them, with a BBC performance being held that very night.

We meet May (Andrea Getley), Grace (Barbara Hockaday) and Vera (Hayley-Jayne Langwith) as they prepare to meet some very unusual potential band members.

First up is naive schoolgirl Elizabeth (Bethany Audley), who turns out to be a mean singer, clarinet and sax player and learns about love, betrayal and death all in a few hours.

There there's Lily (Siena Lloyd) the madcap, but also childlike, nun, with her George Formby-style entertainment.

Oxford educated driver Miranda (Helen Power) couldn't contrast more with this northern crew but can play trumpet and trombone by ear.

And, lastly, there's Pat (Matt Connor) '“ a male drummer who's prepared to don a frock and wig to escape being drafted.

The auditions are a great way to both introduce the characters and hear some music and singing.

As they rehearse and air raid sirens sound, we learn more about their characters, each with a story to tell, all leading up to the grand finale '“ the BBC broadcast '“ and a concert that really gets the audience involved.

There's plenty of music from the day, including T'aint What Cha Do, Tuxedo Junction, Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, audience participation with I Lift Up My Finger and, of course, The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Great performances all round and if you want to know what happens to Patrick and the others you'll have to go and see for yourself.

The show runs until Saturday. Tickets are from 13 to 22, with 1 off for concessions, from the box office on 01903 206206 or click here

Did you see the show? Want to submit your own review? Write what you think and click here to send.