Happy Days - A New Musical, Milton Keynes Theatre 
16th June - 21 June 2014

As the recognisable theme booms out, this new musical adaptation of the TV series Happy Days blasts on to the stage with gusto, if noting else.

This is a trip down memory lane for us all who watched the iconic Arthur Fonzarelli "The Fonz" (Henry Winkler) every week - week in, week out for 10 years.

To choose such a beloved show viewed by millions of now, grown up teens is risky.  It has to be spot on and unfortunately this isn't. 

The level of the effort by the cast was undeniable - this musical relays too heavily on the nostalgia of the TV series and sadly this is a middle of the production at best.

The story set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1959, the action centers around the famous Arnold's Diner, which is under threat of closure (so that a new fangled "shopping mall" can be built). This is particularly dull story line, which is hard to buy into and very predictable.  The musical seems to try too hard to cram every character into each scene, which makes it quite frantic.  Less is more...and the Malachi Brothers were just cringe worthy.

I looked forward to seeing the characters I had loved for so many years come to life on the stage, from Marion Cunningham (played by Cheryl Baker), to the young heart throb Chachi (Eddie Myles) and of course the Fonz himself, played by Ben Freeman. He just didn't recreate the character, style, charisma or swagger of The Fonz. 

I was bitterly disappointed.  The show just lacked the wow factor all round.  Even sexy Ex Sugar Babe Heidi Range (as the Foxy Pinky Tuscadero) lacked oomph.  Her voice was fantastic,as you would expect - however, her acting was very wooden and totally unbelievable in the role.

Stand out performances were from Cheryl Baker and the ensemble, giving it their all. The choreography is brilliant thanks to Andrew Wight - whilst the songs are not memorable, their delivery was faultless.

Stage set by Tom Roger's was totally fantastic (and probably the best bit) managing to seamlessly swap from the Al's Diner,the Cunningham's' kitchen, the Garage and much more - so clever! 

You cannot deny that Happy Days has charm and innocence, and to hear the sound track just brings back such happy memories...just don't set your expectations too high.

Lily B X