| Blonde Bombshells | - Venue: Grand Opera House, York
- Dates: 29th May to 2nd June 2007
- Times : 7.30pm, Weds & Sat 2.30pm
- Tickets: £13.50 - £22.50 (concs)
- Box office 0870 606 3595
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'The Blonde Bombshells of 1943' was written by Alan Plater and the stage play, originally commissioned by The West Yorkshire Playhouse, was inspired by a television film he’d written called 'The Last of the Blonde Bombshells' which starred Judi Dench and Ian Holm. The play, as the title suggests is set 1943 in the north of England and the story centres round a glamorous all-girl swing band which loses members every time it plays a GI camp! All girl swing bands were a common sight in the 1930’s and 40’s as the men were all fighting in the war. Ivy Benson from Leeds was one of the most famous female band leaders of the day and The Ivy Benson Band toured and played until the final gig in 1982. The scene is set by a young girl who questions her Grandmother about her past after finding a very glamorous pair of shoes and so the story unfolds.
 | | The Blonde Bombshells in action |
First of all we’re taken to a bombed-out rehearsal room where the remaining band members are auditioning new members. Betty, the band leader (played by Allison Harding) is desperate as there is an important BBC job up for grabs and they must play in Hull that night on t’wireless! As the potential band members audition we’re treated to some fantastic music such as '‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree' and 'When I Grow Too Old To Dream' and the band numbers swell with the addition of Liz (Pam Jolley), Lily (Georgina Field) and Miranda (Rosie Jenkins). All the band need now is a drummer and Pat’s arrival is eagerly awaited. Pat turns out to be draft dodger Patrick and as they’re desperate, he agrees to dress up as a woman! The band then set off to Hull for their radio appearance and in the second half we’re treated to a concert as the band play to impress. All the actors play their instruments and sing and the sound is great. | "I did enjoy the show and would recommend anyone who loves swing and jazz music to go and see it" | |
The acting did, on occasions limp along a bit and it was often difficult to catch what they were saying with their pseudo northern accents. The humour was a bit contrived, but that was made up for by the music. They finished the show with a rousing version of 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'. I’ve seen the original TV film and absolutely loved it, I did enjoy the show and would recommend anyone who loves swing and jazz music to go and see it, but personally I preferred the TV programme. Carole Green | 
