I was too young to remember the ‘Rat Pack’ the first time round, in actual fact I am more a ‘Brat Pack’ child so I wasn’t really too sure what to expect when I arrived at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. But, when the lights went up on the ‘Rat Pack’ show, for one night only I was magically transported back to the 60’s and to a time when on-stage entertainment sang to a completely different tune. 

Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin (well, three excellent performers acting the legends) all graced the stage singing songs that everyone knows and loves – whether they know them from the 60’s or from their role as today’s TV theme tunes or from programmes such as X Factor. Big band tunes, excellent vocals and even a bit of dance and glamour thanks to the amazing Borelli Sisters made the evening disappear a bit too quickly for my liking. 

On-stage, the three icons had a great relationship and their witty banter only added to the feel good feeling that I imagine most people left with. For me, the highlight of the show was by far the song Mr Bojangles sang by Sammy Davis Jr. But all three of the singers represented their icons with impeccable accuracy, as I was told by one avid fan out in the theatre entrance at the end of the show. For me, it was Dean Martin who had an extra sparkle in his eye, and kept the audience hanging on his every word. 

Pleasant Surprise
Sinatra singing ‘My Way’ was the saccharine sweet ending that everyone wanted…but for me it was the only song I felt a little let down by. 

The whole evening was a pleasant surprise, and whilst I love the ‘Brat Pack’ I have discovered a whole new genre of entertainment. 

Reviewer: Mathew James
Reviewed at: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Review Date: Sunday November 15th 2009