Media reviews »
LATEST REVIEWS FROM BRISBANE
“Eurobeat is funny, frivolous, and fabulously over-the-top....it’s a great night in the theatre, and without a doubt, the funniest production of the year.” Stage Whispers Read full review
“Is there enough time for the entire population to see this show, now playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC? Perhaps not, but prepare yourself, if you manage to purloin a ticket, for a night of singing, dancing, clackering, rewarding laughter and a respite from real life. Laugh? Yes, you will. Sing along? Yep. Audience participation hits a new level (one I am actually comfortable with for a change) and the pageantry alone is worth the trip. You’ve got to love waving a flag or two, and who doesn’t like to make a noise in a theatre? Couldn’t hear one cough, not a one, through all that boisterous energy!” ArtsHub.com.au Read full review
“The show gets you good from the moment you enter the theatre and by the time hosts Sergei and Boyka arrive, you’re ready to have as much fun as can be had this side of Sarajevo.....the best thing about Eurobeat however, is that it’s an experience designed to be shared. So grab your friends, family members and workmates and vote for one of the best musicals to come out of Australia in years" Scene
“Eurobeat is less a piece of musical theatre, more an immersive life experience. Resistance is entirely futile.” Australian Stage Read full review
"In fact, the production values are so slick, one wonders if these skits are any more ridiculous than Eurovision Song Contest’s implausibly over-the-top entries year to year … Quite a feat, really. Recommended for Eurovision enthusiasts everywhere – as well as those still seeking an explanation for the phenomenon." Rave Magazine Read full review
“ ...all the entire Eurobeat experience is one that really cannot be adequately described. You simply have to experience it for yourself. It is two and a half hours of theatrical and musical fun and mayhem and is - in the words of one lady sitting close to me on opening night - "one of the funniest things I have ever seen. There should be more theatre like this!” ««««« ABC Radio Read full review
“This is one musical that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. There is no underlying storyline to get you thinking. In fact, there is barely any story at all. Eurobeat is just completely gratuitous fun and, in these days of global financial crises, wars and terror, there is absolutely nothing wrong with complete unbridled giggling and plenty of flag waving.” Sunshine Coast Daily Read full review
LONDON'S WEST END REVIEWS
“ ...Eurobeat hits its target bang on... the most exuberantly enjoyable musical to have opened in the West End since Hairspray. As the sign outside the theatre promises: you'll laugh until the tears run down your legs.” The Telegraph Read full review“This musical is hilarious. It’s a really fantastic, really fun homage to Eurovision. And it works.” Totally Theatre TV
“...it takes camp to heights undreamt of.” «««« Mail On Sunday Read full review
“Eurobeat is a hilarious spoof... brilliantly simple... Rarely has audience participation been so effectively encouraged..” Variety Read full review
“...this is a show that surprises you at every turn... both the script and score are blessed with an infectious wit that makes this the most surprising, intentionally derivative and yet original new musical of the year so far... its joyful perpetuation and celebration of nationalist clichés can’t possibly offend, because it is done with such knowing affection.” The Stage Read full review
“...a joyous festival of innuendo, sight gags and musical mickey-taking. ” «««« Daily Express Read full review
“The energy levels rarely dip and I can't remember laughing this much (or ever making quite so much noise) in a theatre. My jaw was aching by the end of the second routine and by the time Ireland appeared with their hummable crowd-pleaser, I had joined the rest of the audience in a spontaneous bout of singalong flag-waving.” «««« The Independent Read full review
“...well-honed, sharp-eyed and slickly performed... It brought tears to the eyes for all sorts of reasons... it’s a winner. ” The Times Read full review
“...hugely enjoyable and infectiously addictive. ” The Guardian Read full review
“Eurobeat ticks every Eurovision cliché going with sly asides and wit. Glittery, bitchy and hugely camp, Eurovision just got (genuinely) cool.” ««««« The London Paper Read full review
“...it's full of laughs... Eurobeat has hit written all over it. ” The Sun Read full review
“...spectacularly silly and enjoyable... The whole show’s better, tackier and funnier than the real thing...who’d have thought it possible? ” «««« What's On Stage . Com Read full review
“...inspired parody... the entries are eclectic, surreal, silly and surprising, much like the contest itself... Mel Giedroyc and Les Dennis as our hosts, Boyka and Sergei, are delightful; they’re clearly enjoying themselves, and so they should be – the parts they are playing must be a character comedian’s dream. The whole company match them absolutely, for energy and timing and skilful parody... Eurobeat is fantastic, a different type of musical, a breath of fresh air... it’s glorious to see something totally new. Kudos to them.” «««« GaydarNation Read full review
“EUROBEAT IS POPFEST PARODY PAR EXCELLENCE… tremendous, ridiculous, camp-as-a-row-of-Scouts fun.” «««« London Lite Read full review
“Tasteless – of course it’s tasteless. That’s the point.” British Theatre Guide Read full review
“... simply perfect.” Polish Express Read full review (and Polish translation)
“You do not have to be a Eurovision fan to appreciate this take on Europe’s most popular song contest - you just need a pocket full of tissues to wipe away the tears of laughter.” Curtain Up Read full review
...AND HERE'S WHAT THEY WROTE ABOUT EUROBEAT PRE-WEST END
“this show’s a winner” ««««« The Metro Read full review“…dazzles with kitschy brilliance…and epically delirious hoot” Variety Read full review
“What’s not to love about it…This multi-cultural spoof is fantastically over the top and gloriously kitsch.” ««««« Evening News (Edinburgh) Read full review
“...deceptively clever....never more OTT than it needs to be” «««« The Scotsman Read full review
“...unbelievably brilliant... Eurobeat is a riot of fun.” ««««« New Addington Advertiser Read full review
“the production values are high and the cast work their cotton socks off – and in some cases the rest of their wardrobes…ludicrously silly and enjoyable.” The Guardian Read full review
PRESS AND JOURNAL (Aberdeen) - August 2008
There are not too many shows which inspire north-east theatre goers to get on their collective feet and perform a whooping, screaming Mexican wave.But with Eurobeat it came as standard. And that was before the curtain went up for the official start of the performance.
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SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO (Southampton) - August 2008
A douze points winner! Read full review
THE ARGUS (Brighton) - July 2008
The show does not disappoint. It is a brilliantly silly celebration of everything the UK loves about the Eurovision Song Contest... a perfect night out for a group of friends or for anyone counting down the days to next year’s competition in Moscow. Read full review
WEST SUSSEX GAZETTE (Brighton) - July 2008
Thanks to the sheer entertainment value of the camp, cheesy, silly, and hilarious Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision it may yet prove cool again to go ding ding a dong about the annual song contest….one of those rare treats – sheer entertainment, top quality performances, and something you are bound to want to see again and again. Go – feast on its delights! Read full review
LITTLEHAMPTON GAZETTE (Brighton) - July 2008
I'd heard it was brilliant but didn't quite know what to expect when I took my seat on July 28, with my badge telling me I was voting on behalf of Estonia. The audience were already up for the event. They were waving flags and clackers, cheering and shouting.With a laugh that has to be seen, as well as heard, to be believed, former Olympic pole vaulter, lifestyle programme hostess and vamp Boyka teased and ridiculed a toupéed Sergei throughout....
Who was top of the leader board at the end? My vote counted. Russia came in second but top slot went to my fellow Estonians! Could there be any other winners in Brighton?
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LATEST 7 (Brighton) - July 2008
Forgive me for saying this but I have tired of the frenzy of fun that surrounds the Eurovision Song Contest - or at least I thought I had. Then came the invitation to see Eurobeat. I like the Churchill Theatre in Bromley so I was happy to drive up for the first night and find out what all the fuss is about. Yes fuss, because this show has been getting some rave notices.Read full review
EVENING POST (Nottingham) - July 2008
British public under the cosh of a credit crunch want a bit of escapism when they venture out at night... I'm pleased to report that the Royal Concert Hall is serving up just a feast this week with the visit of Eurobeat. Noisy, brash, loud, colourful, and that's just the audience, Eurobeat sneaks up and grabs your funny bone when you least expect it.Read full review
EVENING CHRONICLE (Newcastle) - July 2008
The campest musical extravaganza since an Elton John gig has hit Newcastle and has brought a whole host of glitter, lycra, music and laughs with it in the form of Eurobeat... As the crowd whips up a frenzy of excitement our hosts for the evening Boyka (Mel Giedroyc) and Sergei (Les Dennis) take to the stage to rapturous applause and anticipation... But don’t take my word for it, go along and boogie while making your mind up! Read full review
NORFOLK EASTERN DAILY PRESS (Norwich) - June 2008
Last night must have been one of the noisiest - and definitely the most kitsch - in the history of the Norwich Theatre Royal... the script is cheeky, packed with witty one-liners and double entendres... Read full review
NORWICH EVENING NEWS (Norwich) - June 2008
Nonsense, complete and utter nonsense - but it was brilliant nonsense at its very best... This is a show which is not to be missed - it's camp, it's kitsch and it's a comic classic. Read full review
STIRRER (Birmingham) - June 2008
What a spoof. A laugh a minute show that lampoons what has become a contest so ridiculous that no one apart from the contestants can possibly take it seriously, and even they must have their doubts? Read full review
BIRMINGHAM MAIL (Birmingham) - June 2008
This is the ultimate in audience participation! Read full review
BIRMINGHAM POST (Birmingham) - June 2008
It has two powerful things going for it. One is that Christie and Patterson have managed to hit an extremely difficult target, finding just the right satirical touch where too little would have made it pointless and too much would have made it laboured. The other is the talent and enthusiasm of the performers. Read full review
ONE4REVIEW (Edinburgh) - June 2008
Eurobeat does not take itself seriously, and is a complete mickey-take of an institution which is sadly losing popularity. If anything, “Eurobeat - Almost Eurovision” has much more of the original spirit of the event than its almost outmoded inspiration. Read full review
TELEGRAPH & ARGUS (Bradford) - May 2008
It's a big douze points for Eurobeat, a hilariously affectionate spoof of the song contest we hate to love, and way more entertaining than the real thing. "I haven't laughed so much in ages….this was a hugely feelgood show, featuring gloriously Eurotrashy acts. Terrific fun. Read full review
WHAT'S ON STAGE . COM (Salford) - May 2008
….this show is a complete blast… it's worth seeing for the glorious Giedroyc alone. As for the so bad they are really good songs; 12 points! (4 stars) Read full review
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS (Salford) - May 2008
The songs and their presentation tend to be witty and smutty in equal measure, although some of them might be a bit too clever and accurate for their own good! …it boasts a succession of preposterous songs but colourfully terrible turns, and it's all loud, fast and thoroughly foolish - what's not to like? (4 stars) Read full review
THE SENTINEL (Stoke) - May 2008
EVEN more cheesy than the real thing (yes, it is possible) It was great fun as a member of the audience to actually vote - but what a tough decision with so much talent. Eurobeat is a musical with a difference and a great night out.
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WESTERN MAIL (Cardiff) - April 2008
…a riot of glittering, camp tackiness –, is so inspired, you wonder why no-one has ever thought of it before…. Eurobeat is one of those shows that has the potential to be a cult classic. If only the real Eurovision was as much fun.Read full review
