"The Wedding Singer" LEOS Musical Theatre Company.
Tuesday 14th April 2026
"The Wedding Singer"
LEOS Musical Theatre Company
May Hall, Trent College
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars)
It’s opening night for LEOS at May Hall and it’s sad to see so little people in the audience! Saying that, they were not a quiet audience! The laughs, the cries and pure joy that resonated throughout the auditorium was immense. It is clear they appreciated every word from that stage. Having seen many versions of this show, I have to say, this was one of my favourites.
The story tells of a wedding singer named Robbie who falls in love with a waitress named Julia who is already betrothed to someone else, however, this does not stop him from using his charm to get the girl. Set in the 80s, this show brings back a nostalgic feel with a comedic twist.
On the whole, the entire cast were very strong, vocally and physically. I especially enjoyed the perfect casting of Natalie Webster playing Julia Sullivan and Shan Bhumbra playing Robbie Hart, harmonising impeccably during ‘If I Told You’. Amy Hunter-Parker gave a stand out performance with one of my favourite lines in the show ‘I’m like your fairy godmother, but slutty’, which got a roaring laugh, a stunning performance of ‘Saturday Night in the City’ with a pop-rocky voice which is a complete juxtaposition to when she sings ‘Right In Front of Your Eyes’, so much more vulnerably with Matt McAuley who plays Sammy, another fantastic actor. Grandma Rosie, played by Zoe Davey, is another perfect casting, giving more of a glamorous edge to the stereotypical grandma. Harvey Latter, a subtle comedic genius with gorgeous make up, playing George.
Dan Scott, playing Glen, who seems like a lovely person off the stage but definitely has that sleazy, cocky, play boy feel the character is meant to have on stage, ended up getting booed in the bows!
Vivialyn Joynson, playing Linda, brings that sexy rock goddess vibe, the perfect portrayal. The ensemble, consisting of Alice Summerton, Andy Cattanach, Becky Morley, Caitlin Biddulph, Charlotte Buchanan, Daisy Donoghue, Eleanor Harvey, Graham Buchanan, Jack Woolley, Joshua Read, Laura Davey, Lilli White, Megan Hill, Philippa Buchanan, Sammie Barker, Sultan Chaudhury, Tracy Hooton and Victoria Palmer filled the stage with energy, directed by Rhodri Denton and assistant director Sarah McAuley, produced by Adam Worton and great choreography by Molly Parkinson sending you on a time warp back to the 80s, with the bright neon costumes by Mina Holtom and Sarah McAuley, all brought together by the musical director, Rob McAuley.
The lighting, designed and operated by David Price, hired from Stephen Greatorex, was almost overwhelming with rainbows of colour chases in most musical numbers. I did notice that some cues were slightly late and there were some quite obvious dark spots in some scenes which did spoil it during the ‘Come Out of the Dumpster’ song especially.
I did like the heart shape that was created on the back wall during one scene and the pure green that spilled across the stage during ‘All About the Green’, very fitting.
The sound by Matt Haslam seemed a little unbalanced, the band sit at the front, making it hard to hear vocals at points. There was one mic issue towards the end that created loud popping which I feel could’ve been helped by turning off the microphone rather than keeping it on whilst there were issues. During the scenes without the band however, the vocals were mixed well, especially in Act 2.
The set hire from Roydon Charlesworth and constructed by LEOS volunteers completed the scenes with a mini stage made out of deck and multiple moving bars, bins, tables and beds. Executed fabulously by the stage manager, Katie Bird and stage crew, Mina Holtom, Christine Daykin, and Sophie Slater-Evans. I liked the simplicity of it, it meant that the stage wasn’t cluttered.
Something I do love about LEOS is their work to make theatre more accessible. Simple things like have a QR code in the programme which enables you to access an audio programme. There’s also a BSL interpreter on the Saturday Matinee as well as a touch tour. All these things set such a good example to other companies and I believe this should be implemented as much as possible.
All in all, I loved every minute. The cast seemed to be having such fun and that instantly makes you bop along. If you do get the chance to see this show, do! It’s a perfect way to spend an evening!
An easy 5 stars, hopefully those teething problems will get better as the week goes on, and at the end of the day, it’s live theatre!
"The Wedding Singer" is at the May Hall Trent College, Long Eaton from Tuesday 14th April until Saturday 18th April 2026.
Written By: Kiah Smith
Please Credit: Oolay Photography
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