This Boney M inspired show has been hyped up for months, hotly tipped as everything from a hip hop musical to the UK’s answer to West Side Story. It’s the first time in years that a West End show has featured a predominantly black cast and also the only time I’ve seen an ‘urban’ musical in the capital. Certainly there was much scope for a great show, but sadly, Daddy Cool severely disappoints. Not only the plot, but also the acting, singing, rapping and even choreography are all mediocre, something that’s beyond me considering the vast array of talent that exists in this country. In fact the whole show is a slap in the face to the burgeoning UK scene, and makes a mockery out of the real talent that’s out there. With the exception of Michelle Collins and rising starlet Camilla Beaput, who stands out as Rose, no one shows any real star quality, and Javine’s rendition of the questionable ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’ leaves you cringing. The whole thing is cheap and tacky, lacking any glamour or cool factor and appearing somewhat out of place on the West End. Daddy Cool? I don’t think so.
Words By: Anna Nathanson
