Clinton The Musical

Former United States president Bill Clinton should offer any theatre production – let alone an all-singing, all-dancing musical – some great inspiration for material is a given. But, from his inauguration through to his sexual relations with ‘that woman’, brothers Paul and Michael Hide tell the story of two Clintons here – one the promiscuous, randy Billy, the other the more socially-conscious William Jefferson Clinton. There’s high-energy here from the off, from an engaging, talented ensemble making good use of a relatively small, pared down space to sing, dance and guffaw their way around the highs and lows of Clinton’s outrageous (mis)fortunes.

The ideas here are largely strong, the Hillary, Lewinsky and Ken Starr-inspired laughs coming thick and fast. The yin and yang, too, of Clinton’s personality is played out to nice comedy effect. And while some of the dialogue is a little hit and miss, the show’s catchy songs and first-rate performances hint at a show with great potential to grow.

Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, until 27 Aug, 1pm, £10 (£9).