Last night, I delved into the intricate tale of The Drifters Girl. Spending a couple of hours journeying back in time was pure joy.

When a musical group predates your era, you often appreciate the music primarily for their latest hits. However, the narrative of The Drifters goes beyond their songs, encompassing both the band itself and the formidable woman steering this ever-evolving musical ship.

Review, The Drifters Girl UK Tour, Manchester

About the Drifters

The Drifters are a legendary American R&B group with a rich history and enduring popularity. Originally formed in 1953 by Clyde McPhatter, a former member of the popular R&B group The Dominoes. Initially, the group was intended to serve as a backing group for McPhatter.

The group achieved significant success during the 1950s and 1960s, with several hit songs that are considered classics, including “Money Honey,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Up on the Roof.”

However, they went through multiple lineup changes and dramas over the years. These changes often marked shifts in the group’s musical style and direction, creating distinct eras within the group’s history.

What is The Show About?

While The Drifters Girl draws inspiration from The Drifters, it doesn’t primarily revolve around the band itself. Instead, the central narrative focuses on the life of Faye Treadwell, portrayed by Loren Anderson as the wife of George Treadwell, the manager of The Drifters, played by Miles Anthony Daley.

The story delves into their love story, Faye’s unwavering determination to safeguard the name “The Drifters” amidst a backdrop of ever-changing lineups, tragedies, and drama.

This narrative also sheds light on the challenges faced by businesswomen during that era. It explores the struggles of people of colour as they sought equal treatment in a society where their contributions were significant. Furthermore, the show highlights Faye Treadwell’s enduring battle as a working woman and mother to retain ownership of a business she had worked tirelessly to establish.

Review of the Drifters Girl

Faye Treadwell reflects on her life while recounting the story of the Treadwell Drifters to her daughter, The Girl, portrayed by Jaydah Bell-Ricketts. This narrative highlights how she became the sole black female record promoter during a challenging era, all while managing a band that saw over 60 different vocalists throughout the years.

The challenge of coordinating a cast of over 70, with only six principal actors, is evident. The show’s brilliance lies in its compact cast of six, with Miles Anthony Daley, Ashford Campbell, Tarik Frimpong, and Dalton Harris carrying the lion’s share. They seamlessly transition between numerous roles, including the 60 Drifters, bar staff, hotel receptionists, music producers and studio executives, to name a few.

The show adds a touch of comedy to the narrative as characters switch rapidly between the ever-changing Drifters. While it can be intense as you decipher who is who, once you settle in and let the story unfold, it’s filled with nostalgia, joy and girl power.

The cast is incredible their talent awe astounding with fast-paced, sincere performances that had the whole house on its feet for the last part of the show.

Where can you see The Drifters Girl?

You can see The Drifters Girl until the 14th of October at the Opera House Manchester with tickets from £13.00.

Then The Drifters Girl UK Tour is Showing At 

• Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 24 Oct – Sat 28 Oct 2023
• New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Tue 21 Nov – Sat 25 Nov 2023
• Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 9 Jan – Sat 13 Jan 2024
• Liverpool Empire, Tue 27 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 2024
• New Theatre Oxford, Tue 5 Mar – Sat 9 Mar 2024
• Sunderland Empire, Tue 26 Mar – Sat 30 Mar 2024
• King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 9 Apr – Sat 13 Apr 2024
• Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 30 Apr – Sat 4 May 2024
• Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tue 16 Jan – Sat 20 Jan 2024

Please note I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review, but all thoughts all my own. See more theatre reviews here.