An Officer And A Gentleman Review - Congress Theatre Eastbourne

An Officer and a Gentleman the musical is based on the award-winning 1982 film of the same name, which starred Richard Gere and Debra Winger. 

The story sees US Naval Officer candidate Zack Mayo (Luke Baker) arrive for training in Florida, where he and his group of cadets find themselves at the mercy of a ruthless drill instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Jamal Kane Crawford).

The candidates are swiftly warned about the local factory girls who are desperate to marry a pilot and who will pretty much do anything to trap them! 

When Zack meets Paula Pokrifki (Georgia Lennon) at the local hangout TJ's, he has to learn to tackle his own inner demons if he wants to graduate from the course as both an Officer and a Gentleman.

Luke Baker is fantastic in the lead role of Zack Mayo. His voice is stunning, which he demonstrates time and again throughout the performance.  

Melanie Masson likewise stands out with a strong, powerful performance as Paula's tormented mum, Esther Pokrifki.

Some of the best parts of the musical are those that focus on the Naval training and an array of varied characters hoping to make it through the course. The intensity and intimacy of the high-stakes situation sees the young people from varied backgrounds make friends (and enemies) for life.

Paul French is great as Sid Worley. Olivia Foster-Browne has everyone on her side as the struggling Casey Seagar. And Jamal Kane Crawford does a fine job with the drill sergeant's rapid dialogue.

The entire show though is building up to the final scene and the final song when Zack lifts Paula 'Up where she belongs' and carries her out of the factory. That's what the audience are waiting for! And you can't help but be carried away with the rousing music and emotion of it all.

(Love lift us) Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker was an original song written for the movie. It won a Grammy, an Oscar and a Golden Globe and it's the perfect stirring tear-jerker for the final act.