With their stunningly smooth vocals and suave movement around the stage, the six-person cast of The Drifters Girl captured the essence of R&B pioneers Faye Treadwell and The Drifters perfectly.
The careful use of humour – yet never shying away from the struggle of being black in America – proved to be the perfect combination for a Sheffield audience, surprisingly of all ages. From curious teenagers to reminiscing grandparents, the show caters to everyone.
Carly Mercedes Dyer (Faye Treadwell) effortlessly led the cast through the constant character changes with her unmistakable stage presence. Following in the footsteps of Beverly Knight, who inaugurated the role in the West End, is always bound to garner comparisons. Yet Dyer’s interpretation of the role leaves little to be criticised. Her performance of ‘Stand By Me,’ in particular, left everyone in the audience mesmerised, conveying the pain and struggle felt by Faye throughout the course of the play as she fights to be heard.
The voices of Miles Anthony Daley (George Treadwell & others), Ashford Campbell (Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis & others), Tarik Frimpong (Clyde McPhatter, Lover Paterson & others) and X-factor winner Dalton Harris (Johnny Moore, Gerhart Thrasher & others), blend beautifully to create that distinct Drifters sound. Never overshadowing each other, they left the audience wanting more through their performances of classics, ‘Money Honey,’ ‘There Goes My Baby’ and ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’; the list goes on!
Faye’s daughter, played by Jaydah Bell-Rickets, held a curiosity and innocence, which many younger audience members were able to identify with, as she yearns to understand the past through the words of those who were there.
It is clear that the cast aren’t the only ones that make this production what it is; the presence of a hardworking production team behind the stage is also evident. The use of lighting throughout the course of the show added a depth where others have failed to do so. The deaths of George Treadwell and Rudy Lewis held an added poignancy through the manipulation of lighting.
The perfect ode to Faye Treadwell, and each and every member of the Drifters legacy!