Review: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, King's Theatre, Glasgow

It's 1922, and Millie Dillmount has arrived in New York City from Kansas with the intention of marrying for money. Having her purse stolen as soon as she gets there, she finds somewhere to stay that will float her a week's rent and sets about finding herself a rich man.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is a bit of a mixed bag. The costumes are beautiful, the choreography is exceptional and there are some outstanding performances. However both acts drag and the script is weak and dated.

Michelle Collins does the best that she can with an appalling role. Already convicted for selling girls into white slavery, she dons a disguise as an oriental woman running a hotel for young actresses with nowhere else to go. Nobody seems to notice that she isn't Chinese because of her cunning disguise - a kimono, hair chopsticks and a thoroughly offensive accent. The character is seen almost as a pantomime baddie, while trafficking young women - which raises a few eyebrows.

Joanne Clifton is a sensation in the lead role. Best known for Strictly Come Dancing, her dancing ability is no surprise, but she also possesses the vocals and acting talent to match. A musical highlight was Clifton's duet with Katherine Glover, who plays naive Miss Dorothy, on "How the Other Half Lives". The music is mostly forgettable but the performances are excellent. Jenny Fitzpatrick gives a standout turn as Muzzy Van Hossmere, with all of her numbers prompting huge applause.

Thoroughly Modern Millie has a lot going for it and this production is certainly a spectacle, but it is let down by its racial stereotyping and tactless script.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is at the King's Theatre until 11 February.

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