What a great night of fun, nostalgia and great songs with Rat Pack Swingin’ At The Sands at The Forum Bath, featuring three excellent entertainers taking on the huge characters of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
The show followed the style of the legendary performances by the original trio at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in 1960, events that have since gone down in entertainment folklore.
OK, no, the three performers – Tom Russell Fox as Frank Sinatra, Glenn MacNamara as Dean Martin and Jim Whitley as Sammy Davis Jr. – might not have looked exactly like the icons they portrayed, but they had the mannerisms, characteristics and on-stage camaraderie down to perfection. The wisecracks, the ad-libbing, the mock one-upmanship – it was all there, and it felt genuinely effortless.
Best of all though were the voices, none more so than Tom Russell Fox as Sinatra. He had Old Blue Eyes’ phrasing and timing down to a tee – quite an accomplishment. While his voice didn’t have the unique depth of the original, a big ask for anyone, he delivered the great man superbly, capturing the swing, the swagger and that cool nonchalance that made Sinatra the Chairman of the Board.
Alongside him, Glenn MacNamara brought a laid-back charm to Dean Martin, while Jim Whitley’s Sammy Davis Jr. shone with infectious energy and charisma. Each took their own spotlight moments to belt out the classics – Mr Bojangles, That’s Amore and many more – all delivered with pinpoint-perfect impressions and real affection for the material.
And just like those original nights in Vegas, it was Sinatra who ultimately ruled the stage. Every number was a crowd-pleaser, from Luck Be A Lady to New York, New York and yes, of course, My Way. The audience were encouraged to sing along – and more than happy to oblige.
It was a great, feel-good evening that reminded everyone just how special these songs, and these performers, really are. Time to dig out Songs for Swingin’ Lovers and pour a martini.
For more great shows coming up at The Forum Bath, go to bathforum.co.uk
