Show: Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
Format: Musical
Genre: Comedy
Date: January 19 2016
Location: Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Sun, sea, sand and sex … and The Hoff – what more could you want off a holiday-themed show? Yes, The Hoff himself, David Hasselhoff, is here. He’s a leading cast member in Last Night A DJ Saved My Life at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre. It’s a comedy musical that details the trials and tribulations of a teenage girl named Penny (Stephanie Webber). She’s looking to connect more with her father Ross (played by Hoff). All while taking the first big steps in learning about love. This happens amidst an eventful couple of days in Ibiza. And dad’s workplace Club Nirvana acts as a setting for many of the show’s key events.
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
Description Of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
The premise is that Penny is visiting her father in Ibiza, only to learn that he has a new love interest (Amber, played by Natalie Amanda Grey), one who is only a few years older than Penny. But things are not going well between Ross and Amber either, especially since certain holiday-makers often imply that they had a “great night” in his company. During this family turmoil, though, Penny falls for Rik (Shane Richie Jr), a young DJ who is also based in Ibiza.
Darkness
During the holiday-based hijinks, though, we are given an insight into the dark underbelly of Ibiza: the drugs scene, which is emphasised (at least in this show) as a key hook to get the 18-30 crowd into the club. It seems that Ross knows what’s going on, but business is business and therefore the proverbial blind eye is turned. But that changes when Penny falls prey to ecstasy.
From there, we get several questions to ponder as the plot thickens. Can Ross save his relationships with both Amber and Penny? Will Penny and Rik officially become an item, in spite of reservations by Ross (particularly after the ecstasy incident)? And will Ebenezer (Barry Bloxham) be taken down for his after-hours drugs business, since he’s a master at blackmailing potential whistleblowers?
Analysis Of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
A key element of this show is the use of music, which ranges from 80s classics (like Never Gonna Give You Up) to 90s/2000s pop hits (We’re Going To Ibiza is a natural choice) as well as house and R&B tunes for the club scenes. These are performed by the cast within some nifty dance routines, and for the more nostalgic numbers, you will find yourself singing along, probably without realising it. Oh, and for the ladies, there’s a homage to Baywatch (well, the Hoff’s there so how could you not?) which should give you some fond flashbacks.
While the music is important, though, this is first and foremost a comedy, based more on humorous visuals and unforeseen situations than jokes (although there are a few one-liners in there, some of which are eyebrow-raising). When it comes to tickling one’s funny bone, the star is Tam Ryan as José. He’s a gentle barman who butchers the English language. This leads to several funny exchanges whereby messages are misheard (one of which hovers within the zone marked “risqué”).
Side-Plot
Another side-plot sees José become one of those who have to keep tight-lipped about the drug scene, since the prospect of losing his job and being unable to provide for his mother is an unimaginable one. Stephanie and Shane are also effective portraying the budding couple, and Hoff – well, he’s Hoff, so he can adapt to any situation.
Speaking of the drugs, it’s surprising that the show touches upon it at all, never mind basing a big part of the plot on it and, whilst in a light-hearted way, almost glamourizing it at times. Fortunately, this emphasises the dangers rather than the “thrills” of drug use. And those watching the show should be happy with how this story arc resolves.
Settings
Elsewhere, the settings were simple yet effective, although the club scenery looked very realistic. The lighting was very bright and colourful, adding to the party mood. And the graphics shown on big screens during dance numbers were futuristic and funky. This is definitely for teenagers based on the music and graphics. Not to mention the occasional references to sex. (To be fair, considering my intro line, we only hear about sex and we never see it. Depending on your opinion, this is either positive or negative. Due to the target audience, you’ll get stances on both sides for that one).
The show featured a scene early on involving audience participation, which went hilariously wrong, with the José character, fortunately, making light of it. Unfortunately, I felt that certain members of the audience spoiled some parts of the show via catcalls. Some of these were tolerable. But they became a real distraction as important moments of the plot – including some with a less humorous tone – were inaudible due to some people who wanted their own voices to be heard.
Summary Of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
Overall, though, this couldn’t greatly damage what I felt was a very entertaining show, one which will open eyes as to the Ibiza lifestyle if they are unaware, one which will provide a barrel of laughs throughout, and one which will take the older members of the audience back to the 80s and 90s via some unforgettably cheesy pop tunes. Last Night A DJ Saved My Life; tomorrow night, or on another night, you should see this show, especially if you’re 18-30. And harking back to the beginning of this review, you’ll get to see the Hoff – what more could you want?
