Every Christmas, the Royal Exchange Theatre treats audiences to a musical production, with this year’s show being a revival of ‘Spend Spend Spend’. First premiering at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse) in 1998, it went on to earn eight Olivier nominations during its celebrated West End run in 1999.
Based on the extraordinary true story of Viv Nicholson, ‘Spend Spend Spend’ recounts her whirlwind rise to fame and fortune after winning the football pools in 1961 alongside her husband, Keith. The £152,319 fortune (equivalent to over £4.3 million in today’s money) was squandered with jaw-dropping speed after Viv famously declared to the press she would “Spend Spend Spend.”
This production is truly a tale of two halves, delving into Viv’s chaotic life both before and after her win. Music by Steve Brown and Justin Greene fits the narrative wonderfully, with an unapologetic northern charm. When the first act ends in a shower of money during the title song, you can’t help but fall in love with ‘Spend Spend Spend.’
The role of Viv is split between two actresses; a younger Viv who we follow through the story and an older incarnation who serves as the narrator. Notably, the latter in this production is portrayed stoically by Rachel Leskovac, who previously played the younger Vivienne to critical acclaim in the show’s original West End run. Leskovac plays her with an endearingly warm yet brash charm and authenticity, which works brilliantly opposite Rose Galbraith’s excitably naive interpretation of young Viv. Their duet of ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me’ in Act Two packs one hell of an emotional punch, offering a powerful contrast to some of the more lighthearted moments.
The direction by Josh Seymour and stage design by Grace Smart work brilliantly together. An in-the-round setting can so easily feel empty and lacking excitement when sight-lines for each angle need to be considered. Here, however, it remains visually engaging throughout, which is only amplified by the large and enthusiastic ensemble who help lift the show to something really quite special. In a sea of more traditional festive offerings, ‘Spend Spend Spend’ offers something uniquely different, whilst making you wonder how you would be if you yourself found sudden wealth overnight.
'Spend Spend Spend' runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 11 January 2025.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone. Additionally, image and trailer show a previous cast.