The stage is set, the energy is high and the band is ready to swing. Every member of the audience sits with baited breath awaiting the arrival of the stars of the show – Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and Frank Sinatra.
Providing the warm and good-time feeling their name suggests, The Whisky Chasers band belt out the backing track to a selection of the all-time Rat Pack favourites: ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘Me and My Shadow’ and ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’. Each song receiving louder applause than the last, the three boys take turns to parade about on stage before coming together with the jovial attitude The Rat Pack was famous for.
Charming the audience with his wry smile and charismatic confidence, David Brody’s Dean Martin helps himself to a glass (or three) while the vivacious young Berelli Sisters coyly flutter their eyelashes at him. Sammy Davis Junior is as entertaining as ever and Jaygann Ayeh’s performance often makes you wonder if you aren’t actually watching the man himself. His voice is like liquid silk and it’s easy to become entranced by his dazzling smile and warm playfulness.
But perhaps the most captivating of all is Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Louis Hartshorn’s performance of ‘Under My Skin’ is so exquisite and his portrayal of Frank so accurate, that more than one person in the audience has goose-bumps watching him.
Hartshorn – Hook Productions have been bringing amazing shows to the Fringe for many years now, but their success with The Rack Pack – Live! is by far the most impressive. A Fringe Sell-Out Show for the last two years, they just might make the hat-trick this year… so get in quick!
5/5 
Sydney Arber
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