Review: All the Fun of the Fair, Dartford's Orchard Theatre,Tuesday, November 8 to Saturday, November 12.

by Keith Hunt

Having played the lead in Godspell, Che in Evita and Fletcher Christian in Mutiny, to name a few of his early musicals, David Essex should know more than most what is required to make a hit show.

And so it proves with All The Fun of the Fair, a cleverly concocted opus incorporating catchy songs, drama, tragedy and humour, which has been filling seats at Dartford's Orchard Theatre.

The 64-year-old's longevity as a singer and his eye twinkling appeal, mixed with his recent appearance as Eddie Moon in EastEnders, is a winning combination.

The show was inspired by his 1975 album of the same name and features some of his hits that bring memories of that tousle-haired gypsy-like heartthrob flooding back.

Essex plays grizzled, greying fairground owner Levi who is facing a bleak future. He is recently widowed after tragedy struck the wall of death, heavy with guilt over an affair with fortune teller Rosa (Louise English) and his teenage son has set his cap at the attractive blonde daughter of a gangster.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Songs such as A Winter's Tale and Hold Me Close lift the spirits. The distinctive Essex voice is as recognisable as ever and has a touching tremble in keeping with his mature years.

Some of the jokes are on the effete side. For example, when gangster Harvey, played like a less endearing Del Boy by David Burrows, asks his oaf of a henchman Harvey (Barry Bloxham) if he is a moron, he replies: "No, I'm a Catholic."

Essex, however, has a winning line he milks for all its worth when he laments: "I had this long, dark, curly hair once." With that he removes his hat and reveals a decidedly thinning silver thatch.

The set design captures the romantic atmosphere of a free-spirit travelling fair and at one point has dodgems weaving around the stage.

The all-important wall of death doesn't make an appearance until the finale when a stunning bit of wizardry has Levi's son Jack (Rob Compton) dramatically revving above the audience to the strains of Silver Dream Machine.

Essex's hits keep on coming, though slightly disappointingly not always featuring the man himself - Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star and Lamplight among them. The closer is a reprise of the less recognisable Here We Are All Together.

Ultimately, it was like a ride on the big dipper - scary, gut-wrenching but pleasurable. And it is surely it can't be long before it is Sir David Essex!