Ham & High

Upstairs at the Gatehouse marked its first anniversary in some style last week with its first ever home-grown production, and there was a packed house to enjoy a special festive preview.

Forever Plaid, which started out off-Broadway and last played in this country in the West End in 1993, is an intimate tribute to the '50's, an era of innocence and close harmony summed up by crooners of the Perry Como ilk.

Our eponymous quartet, though, find their careers cut short, not so much by the rise of rock 'n' roll, but by the fact that - on the way to their first major gig at the Airport Hilton Cocktail Bar - they are killed in collision with a bus full of Beatles fans.

Their performance is by way of an attempt to find celestial harmony and peace on that great stage in the sky.  It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus, remarks one of their tuxedoed number.

Hey, plaid may not have been hip, but in the string of numbers that comprise the show - Love is a Many Splendoured Thing, 16 Tons, Catch a Falling Star, Perfidia and many more - you would almost think it's cool to be square.

Add to that the deft use of giant sink plungers and a three-minute version of the Ed Sullivan Show and you have something that's as wholesome as apple pie.

John Plews' appealing production ensures that it stays cute rather than corny, though at times the vocal precision of his excellent cast - Michael Bernadin, Andrew Emerson, Tim McArthur and Colin Salway - isn't quite matched by the same snappiness of presentation.

After a fine year for this venue, though, there is certainly plenty to sing about in these plaid tidings.

The Stage

In the programme for this charming production of Stuart Ross' Forever Plaid, director John Plews explains that his aim is to return the piece to its "intimate Off-Broadway roots" - a philosophy which has certainly paid off.

Although the show enjoyed great success in America in the early nineties, London audiences were less receptive when it opened at the West End's Apollo Theatre.  However, that is hardly surprising - Forever Plaid is perfect for an intimate space such as Upstairs at the Gatehouse, but it would be lost if staged anywhere considerably bigger.

The story is silly, simple and entertaining - in February 1964 the members of a promising close-harmony group are on their way to their first big gig when they are killed in a car crash.

But through the wonders of science, they now have the opportunity to perform the gig they never got to do while alive.

Countless musical numbers reminiscent of the fifties are brought to life by an extremely talented foursome, revealing great talent for both singing and acting.  Andrew Emerson not only produces some beautiful vocal for Cry, but he also has a knack for comedy.  As does Tim McArthur, who can play the clown as well as offer a poignant rendition of Catch a Falling Star.  Joined by Michael Bernardin and Colin Salway (also musical director), who are impressive, the team appears to have great fun on the way to a rousing finish.

Racky ensures the space is used to its best advantage with some slice choreography, while Sarah Williamson (set) and Les Broughton (lighting) also deserve a mention.  Musicians Michael Roulston and Tim Hassain provide excellent accompaniment.  The venue is certainly celebrating its first birthday in style.

LISA MARTLAND