Review by Marilyn Barber

If you are looking for an uplifting, colourful show with zingy songs performed by highly talented singers – you’ll find it with Copacabana. In fact it brings sunshine into the theatre.

With music by Barry Manilow, it follows the story of Stephen an aspiring songwriter who is trying to compose a hit musical – but his wife Samantha isn’t convinced.

His imagination takes him back to 1947 as he creates a story around an ambitious young singer Lola La Mar.

Shannon Cook simply sizzles as Lola, aka Samantha, with her mesmerising yet hugely powerful voice, gelling so well with Stephen, aka, Tony (James Doherty-Fox) who gives it his all in both personas.

As an ex Copa girl Georgina Smith is all glamour and pzazz whilst HCP stalwart Pete Whitaker injects humour and is almost unrecognisable as the basically honest Copacabana club owner Sam.

It is so hard not to boo Alex Cook as he epitomises the very seedy, salacious Rico, with Jade Morrell eliciting sympathy and admiration in equal measure as Conchita, who he rejects for ‘being too old’.

These six actors have the huge support of an impressive cast of singers and dancers with voices that would not be out of place in a West End musical. And accolades on this score must go too to the choreographer Dan Murrell and dance captain Naomi Cook.

The band under the director of Stuart Darling helps to transport you back to the glamour of nightclubs from the middle of the 20th century, not to mention those oh so glamorous costumes.

It is directed and produced by Highcliffe Charity Players Committee.

HCP has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years – and long may it continue.

I always expect good things for this talented theatre company and I wasn’t disappointed.

Copacabana runs until Saturday 6 August.