Marianna Marvels: The Definitive Rat Pack

I was listening to Frank Sinatra with the Nelson Riddle band as a kid when perhaps I should have been more into Abba. My musician dad had many of his albums and I just kinda got into it. That is how great music lives on. That's not to say I didn't own a few Abba records too. My first experience of the Rat Pack was from a Sinatra compilation called 'A man and his music' released close to his 50th Birthday. These guys were just so swinging cool. They sounded like they were really having fun just joking around then launching into song.

The Definitive Rat Pack sure know how to put a good show together and revive the legendary Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis JR.

The three guys were original cast members from the West End's 'Rat Pack live from Las Vegas'. They branched off to form their own act which is entirely flexible depending on the audience. I went to see them on Thursday September 18th at the Kings Theatre Southsea. They've spent many years perfecting their art that they have almost become the Rat Pack.

To be honest though, in the first half, the music was drowning out the singing a little bit but that got sorted by the second half and didn't spoil the show.

Stephen Triffitt opened singing Chicago so I recall. He is the Ultimate Frank Sinatra because he has the great voice, remarkable phrasing that the star was so famous for but to top it off, he looked just like him from where I was sitting. All the mannerisms were there.

Mark Adams played Dean Martin. He too was very convincing,never out of character. His admiration for the star shows in all his songs, 'That's Amore,''Volare' and 'Ain't that a kick in the head'. I actually thought he looked a little drunk after his break at the bar. That's great acting for you. There were some female backing singers too which gave it added colour.

Sammy Davis JR was played by George Daniel Long. He was dancing all over the stage when he came in just like Sammy. He sang 'Bye Bye Blackbird and I loved his 'Mr Bo Jangles' he had the right look too.

The magic really happened when the three of them were on stage together. This was a superb show and I am so grateful that The Definitive Rat Pack, are keeping the music and spirit alive.