‘Anyone who had a heart’, so the song says, can’t help but enjoy What’s It All About? Bacharach Reimagined. The audience at the show’s press night most certainly agree. They can’t help beaming as the songs bring back fond memories and many can’t resist swaying through song after song. While exiting the auditorium there are echoes deeming this show to be the best they have ever seen.

What’s It All About? Bacharach Reimagined is a celebration of the great composer, Burt Bacharach. Bacharach’s career spans over six decades with nine number one songs, 48 top ten hits and over 70 top 40 hits. Along with lyricist Hal David, he wrote songs such as ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’, ‘I Say a Little Prayer’, ‘Close to you’ and ‘That’s What Friends Are For’. Together, they received the 2012 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Bacharach is considered to be one of the most successful composers.

The show is incredibly fun and it is amazing just how many songs the cast get through in just 90 minutes. The cosy setting sets a scene of close friends who are just having a good time together – audience included. Half the audience, who are comfortably seated on couches and armchairs, are occasionally joined by a cast member who carries the spirited performance right into the audience – sometimes even perching on the end of an arm rest.

There is no story line but there is so much character in this show. The cast perform every song with the utmost energy and emotion. It has the vibe of a party you might have when your parents are out, loud music and jumping up and dancing all over the furniture.

It is performed by a wonderfully multi-talented cast who play their own instruments, sing, dance and sometimes do all three together. The choreography attached to each song is so energetic that it is a wonder that the audience manage to stay in their seats.

Burt Bacharach graced the audience with his most honourable presence.  The 87 year old composer (who doesn’t look a day over 75) accompanied the cast on the piano to sing ’Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ to a full house standing ovation.

No matter how old you are, there is a Bacharach song you know and love. The cast do a phenomenal job in honouring the composer’s career. Through Bacharach Reimagined, the wonderful songs will continue to reflect the legend behind them.

What’s It All About? Bacharach Reimagined plays The Menier Chocolate Factory until 5 September. For more information and tickets, see The Menier Chocolate Factory website. Photo by Nobby Clark.