Show: Basil Newby’s Funny Girls on Tour starring Betty Legs Diamond
Venue: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Genre: Musical/Dancing
Date: Friday June 2 2023
Age Rating: 14+
This is our review of Funny Girls at Liverpool‘s Epstein Theatre! I spent a wonderful evening at the Epstein, all red velvet and rococo gold, the most appropriate place to host Basil Newby’s Funny Girls on Tour. Flamboyance at its very best!
Description Of Funny Girls
As we entered the theatre, the DJ was playing some banging disco favourites. Furthermore, there was an air of expectation and excitement for the entertainment to come.
This nationwide tour stars the legendary Betty Legs Diamond. Betty has spent 28 successful, glamorous years performing at Funny Girls in Blackpool. Although I had seen the show many years ago in Blackpool, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, I was in for a big surprise. The professionalism and talent shared with us that evening was outstanding.
We really did feel up close and personal. The audience was very involved and contributed to the atmosphere, singing, cheering, and whooping at the iconic routines. Considering there was only Betty on stage alongside a small ensemble of five very capable dancers, she had the audience in the palm of her hand.
Analysis Of Funny Girls
The cast lip–synched for their lives (Ru Paul would have been proud), the high kicks, splits and incredible dance moves (including some amazing tap dancing) really were jaw dropping. There were sequins and feathers galore, from New York, New York to the Sound of Music (Doh, Ray, Me), we were taken on a colourful, glittering journey – never quite knowing where we were heading next!
There was Chicago, then a bit of Judy, then some Carmen Miranda, the costumes becoming more and more breathtaking. At times, the sets were simply hilarious (Phantom of the Opera).
History
In between the wonderful choreography, Betty told us about her career. She explained how she started up and her roles after dance school in well-known shows such as 42nd Street and Anything Goes followed by La Cage Aux Folles, where she played one of the Cagelles. The lure and glam of frocking up nightly soon caught hold. And she then found herself performing at the Vauxhall Tavern with the likes of Lily Savage – with whom she became close friends. We had a poignant round of applause for local lad Paul O’Grady. This was very touching, and to be fair, Betty did a pretty good impression of Lily Savage!
Summary Of Funny Girls
Everyone had a super evening, smiles all around, and a standing ovation that lasted quite a while. We also had a group photo taken for Betty’s Facebook page. So, I look forward to seeing her and the team again; it was fabulous, darling!
