★★★★★
Having seen both Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe perform individually, as well as together prior to this evening, I already had high hopes that I was to be in for a good evening at Chichester Festival Theatre. Hooray for Hollywood certainly lived up to my expectations.
The evening was filled with some of the best movie musical songs, with plenty of laughs and stories from the world of film in between.
One of my highlights was People Will Say We’re in Love. The harmonies between Liza and Joe were breathtaking and a real highlight of the evening.
Joe also showed off his skills on the bass with If I Only Had a Brain from The Wizard of Oz, while Liza played the kazoo. It was a brilliant moment.
The storytelling throughout the evening was just as enjoyable as the music. One story that really caught my attention was about finding the right jacket for The Wizard of Oz. After searching through countless shops, someone from the film’s costume team eventually found the perfect one in a second-hand shop. When they looked inside, they discovered it had previously belonged to Frank L. Baum, the writer of The Wizard of Oz. It was an incredible coincidence and a story I had never heard before.
Joe’s movie medley at the end of the first act was another highlight, featuring songs and moments from a whole range of films. His impression of Elliott from E.T. and the “phone home” line was priceless.
The evening ended with the whole audience on their feet singing Do-Re-Mi from The Sound of Music. It was a brilliant way to finish what had been a fantastic evening.
I’ve seen Liza and Joe perform before, and I’d go back and see them again without a doubt. Hooray for Hollywood was a fantastic evening filled with music, laughter and nostalgia.
So Hooray for Hollywood… & Hooray for Joe Stilgoe and Liza Pulman!
