CELEBRATING the life and career of the legendary singer, actress and vaudevillian, Judy – The Songbook Of Judy Garland looks to recreate the songs and dances of one of the golden age of cinema’s most beloved performers with her daughter, actress Lorna Luft, at the helm.

Garland, originally born Frances Ethel Gumm, became an international star and won numerous accolades and remains the youngest ever recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in the motion picture industry.

Beginning with a cinematic opening, in which you are introduced to the cast, including Ray Quinn and Louise Dearman, the show focuses on tunes from Garland’s film career, including songs from Me And My Gal, Meet Me In St Louis and Easter Parade.

While the vocal performances are strong throughout, especially from Luft herself, the show’s reliance on recorded music, in video of Garland’s own performances, at times leaves you with a feeling of style over substance. However, the slick choreography and the clear enthusiasm of the performers themselves is still very entertaining.

The biggest highlight is seeing Luft and Dearman perform the famous duet between Garland and the then little-known Barbra Streisand, during a flowing medley of songs such as Get Happy, Happy Days and Hooray For Love. The show ends on a more sombre tone, with all the performers appearing on stage together to stand before a screening of Garland’s performance of Over The Rainbow: a reminder that, above all, this is a tribute to one woman’s singular talent.

* Runs at Darlington Civic Theatre, Monday, July 20 to Wednesday, July 22. Evenings 7.30pm with Weds matinee at 2pm. Box Office: 01325-486555 or darlingtoncivictheatre.co.uk

Raymond Crisp