Review: Studio 54

The energy in the opening number for this show is tremendous - spot on choreography that recalls the golden era of disco.

However, we need more than a cracking opening number to sustain interest in this lengthy show (by Edinburgh terms). The actor playing the trans-sexual Miss Mona Desire, known as ‘Desi' is trying his best with the material here and by and large, succeeds. One of the dancers is also stunningly talented, but in a cast of ten with a somewhat lacklustre plot to deliver, this does not really add up.

There are opportunities with an apparently talented cast that are laid waste here - we need a more challenging story with a more believable plot than a guy turning up at the most ‘exclusive' club in New York and suddenly landing a job for this to have any legs. Now it is true that many a musical is built on a flimsy plot, but there still needs to be some strength holding it together and it seems that Studio 54 has yet to find it.

This show demonstrates the need for a good producer to call the shots; to harness the talent more effectively; to turn what is here into a success.