Review by Amelia
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
The music of KC and the Sunshine Band is iconic for so many reasons. Defining the sound and feel of the 1970s disco era, their signature blend of funk, R&B, and pop created infectious, danceable rhythms that reached audiences far beyond the disco scene. Leading man Harry Wayne Casey created this new show: Get Down Tonight, to bring the audience nostalgia, and fun, while allowing them to see more of who he is. The show originated under the title Who Do Ya Love? at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, at Assembly George Square Studios, before being reworked and retitled Get Down Tonight, where it currently plays at the Charing Cross Theatre in London. The production, developed with Casey, features music and lyrics by Casey and a book by J. F. Lawton and is directed and choreographed by Lisa Stevens. With a promise to be different from the other bio-musicals, how does these timeless songs work with the true story of the leading man himself?
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| Photo by Danny Kaan |
The story itself is heartfelt, tracing the highs and lows of Casey’s life: from his journey of self-discovery and exploration of his sexuality to the friendships that shaped him. This all interwoven with the band’s most popular hits gives the narrative perspective and rhythm. As a younger viewer, it was thrilling to see the disco era brought to life through vibrant costume design and dynamic lighting, perfectly capturing the spirit of the late 60s and early 70s. However, the production’s shortcomings become clear in its heavy focus on how to create a musical, rather than letting Casey’s story unfold naturally. The frequent musical theatre references felt a little too on the nose, even for a dedicated theatre fan, often pulling me out of the story. I appreciate the intention to avoid the typical biographical-musical format, but the way this production tried to break that mould didn’t quite land for me.
The performances really brought the piece together, especially with Ross Harmon as the leading man. Harmon leads the company with exceptional conviction, his vocals soaring through the score in both its upbeat and more tender moments. He brings a natural charisma and warmth to Harry, making him an effortlessly likeable protagonist. He’s joined by the equally engaging Annabelle Terry as Gina, whose innocence and sincerity suit the role perfectly. Their duet, When You’re Alone Tonight, was a particular highlight — their voices blending beautifully in one of the show’s most heartfelt moments. The leading cast is rounded out by Paige Fenlon as Dee and Adam Taylor as Orly, both delivering outstanding vocals throughout. However, their characters felt somewhat less essential to the story; Dee’s role, in particular, often came across as a meta nod to musical theatre itself, keeping the narrative on a theatrical track. Orly’s fun-loving energy added brightness, but his emotional beats didn’t always resonate as deeply. Still, the four performers together radiate infectious joy — it’s clear they’re having an incredible time on stage.
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| Photo by Danny Kaan, |
The ensemble, though small, proves to be a powerhouse, with Aaron Archer, Finley Oliver, Rachael Kendall Brown, and Eve Drysdale giving their all in every number. The intimate Charing Cross Theatre stage is used to its fullest potential, with every inch of space alive with energy and movement. Costumes are vibrant and eye-catching, complemented by dazzling disco balls and vinyl décor that perfectly capture the era’s spirit. The familiar songs are reimagined in a variety of inventive ways, keeping the audience engaged throughout — and, of course, you can never go wrong with a high-energy megamix finale!
Despite all the joy and energy on display, the story could benefit from some reworking to strengthen its emotional payoff and ensure the narrative flows more coherently. The core story is compelling enough without relying so heavily on the musical theatre framing device, though I understand how that approach helps set it apart from similar shows. If the creative team can find a way to make that element feel more organic and better integrated into the story, this production could have a future as bright — and as sparkling — as a disco ball. Get Down Tonight plays at the Charing Cross Theatre until the 15th of November.
⭐⭐⭐
Get Down Tonight plays at the Charing Cross Theatre until the 15th of November. Tickets are available from https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/get-down-tonight
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| Photo by Danny Kaan, |
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