Review: Jersey Boys at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent*

Jersey Boys tells the true story of four men from New Jersey, USA, who became a pop group with an instantly recognisable sound – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The musical which is currently being performed at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent gives audiences new insight into the lives of the band, and those around them, as their careers struggled, then rocketed in the 1960s and beyond. A play about revenge and betrayal; crime and punishment; friends, enemies and lovers, Jersey Boys is far more than a series of hits hung on a loosely woven plot.

As Jersey Boys tells it, the three ways to escape the hard and humdrum life of New Jersey are via prison, the Mob or hitting the big time. The show begins with four guys who’ve tried the first option and decided they’d prefer fortune and fame. They start out by playing gigs in local pool halls and clubs and meet young Frankie Castelluccio, who loves music and is always hanging around to soak up the sounds. Dragged reluctantly onto stage by the guys one evening, Frankie and his amazing vocal range prove an instant hit and he joins the group. After advice from a girl who will later become his wife, Frankie changes his last name quickly and permanently to ‘Valli with an I’. The band, on the other hand, go through many different line-ups and names before becoming ‘The Four Seasons’ and landing on the hit parade. Two things persist through the highs and lows which follow – the struggle between the family at home & the ‘family’ on the road and the importance of loyalty to the Jersey Boys.

Jersey Boys has rhythm running from its core and holding the whole performance together. Each song has a strong, catchy beat – and you may be surprised at how many you know. The dance routines are perfectly synchronised, made up of small but physically demanding repetitive movements. The movement of the cast and props around the relatively simple set is timed to perfection, and cleverly integrated with the choreography at several points. The stories of the characters follow similar rhythms – hard work, trial, triumph, repeat. The reliable beats of the production, music and story give the performance an edge of anticipation and excitement.. One false move from the actors or crew could throw the whole show into chaos. Similarly, one – or two – huge and unexpected events in the lives of the characters could – and does – have the same effect.

Thankfully, the perfect rhythm of the production was flawless for the entire show. The stories of the Four Seasons are engaging, the music varies from sorrowful to uplifting and the cast – in particular Michael Pickering as Frankie Valli – do justice to a band who were blue-collar favourites, largely ignored by the critics but who went on to earn a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Less of a sing-along than some of the recent musicals based on the songs of one artist or band, it is the true feeling of heart that makes Jersey Boys such a success.

When is the next show and how can I purchase tickets?

Jersey Boys continues its fun at the Regent Theatre until Saturday, 19 February 2022. Performance are at 7.30pm, Monday – Saturday.  Matinee performances take place on Wednesday’s and Saturdays at 2.40pm. The show duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the interval.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £69.

How do I book tickets to watch Jersey Boys?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

Age guidance: Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware Jersey Boys contains genuine New Jersey language which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Where is Regent Theatre?

Piccadilly
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP

About the Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Please see the age guidance note above.
• To ensure the continued safety of their visitors and staff, currently, all attendees over the age of 18 will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 status to gain entry to The Regent Theatre.
• Whilst masks are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment (February 2022), it is suggested that they are worn during performances.
• Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm
• Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

Review by: Sharon Corbally

You may also want to read this:

We Will Rock You heads to The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

Review: Kevin Clifton’s Burn The Floor at The Regent Theatre

Review: GREASE The Musical at The Regent Theatre