Review: Totally 80s – A High-Energy Nostalgic Spectacle

It’s official – Totally 80s has arrived at Potters, and it’s a neon-drenched, synth-powered rollercoaster of nostalgia.

Having launched at Hopton-on-Sea just a couple of weeks ago, we went along to The Glade Theatre at Five Lakes to see the curtain lift on the Potters Theatre Company’s latest stage production, this time in Essex.

We were keen to see the audience’s reaction to this explosive celebration of one of music’s most electrifying decades. With the PTC’s seamless blend of powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and dazzling visuals, it was all set up to be a night to remember.

An Intro to Pure 80s Perfection

The infectious energy kicks in immediately as the entire cast fills the stage in the opening section. Setting the tone with Love Shack and 1999, you’re instantly transported to the era of leg-warmers and cassette mixtapes.

The show’s intro was full of energy and stunning lighting

The hits continue to flow as dazzling screens illuminate The Glade Theatre. The PTC masterfully delivers funk-fuelled classics like Funkytown and Give It Up with their unique showbiz flair and outstanding vocals. And that’s only the warm-up.

With a soft spot for those unmistakable synth-pop sounds, Tainted Love, Don’t You Want Me and Just Can’t Get Enough are a personal highlight, while Let’s Groove and Sweet Dreams see heads bopping and shoulders shimmying throughout the audience.

Quickly, you appreciate this isn’t just a show about music—it’s a celebration of an era. The Potters Theatre Company have gone all out, pairing every track with era-appropriate costumes. And the dazzling visual and lighting effects recreate the glitz and glamour of the 80s.

An 80s Party & Memorable Movies

If the opening sections are a nod to the feel-good sounds of the 80s, the next goes into full-on party-mode. First up, it’s the turn of the ladies, who bring the house down with Girls Just Want to Have Fun, 1-2-3, and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, before the boys close the section with Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Uptown Girl, and Gold.

The PTC’s nod to The Blues Brothers is super-slick

Some of the decade’s most memorable music featured on soundtracks for its biggest movies. Featuring a string of classic montages on the LED screens, songs like Footloose, The Eye of the Tiger, What a Feeling, and (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life are met with huge applause from the audience.

Outstanding Ballads

Totally 80s offers a poignant reminder that the decade wasn’t just about big hair and bold fashion. It was also a period of timeless songwriting and unforgettable melodies.

And with that, the Potters Theatre Company vocalists truly embrace those softer, more emotional moments. With passion, class and expertise, they deliver powerful renditions of hits like Drive, It Must Have Been Love, and Alone.

The PTC Vocalists were outstanding throughout, but they truly shone in the ballads section

A Show-Stopping Medley & Finale

No tribute to the 80s would be complete without a nod to the King of Pop himself. As it’s announced, the anticipation in the audience visibly grows. And the PTC truly shine as they, once again, assemble en masse in a thrilling Michael Jackson medley.

The Michael Jackson Medley featured dazzling visuals

And it’s packed with jaw-dropping dance moves and vocal performances that do his music justice.

From the electrifying energy of Beat It and Bad to the uplifting power of Man in the Mirror, the medley becomes a definite highlight. And it’s met with enthusiastic cheers and applause in return.

Purple Rain was a stunning finale to the show

And just as the audience settles for the penultimate time, the cast returns for an epic rendition of Purple Rain—a truly fitting end to a performance that leaves the audience on a euphoric high, and on their feet.

Our Takeaway

Totally 80s is more than just a show—it’s an experience. Whether you lived through the decade or are discovering its magic for the first time, the Potters Theatre Company has once again delivered a slick, professional, and wildly entertaining tribute that captures the heart, soul, and pure fun of the 80s.

It’s bold, it’s nostalgic, it’s electrifying—and it’s certainly not to be missed!

As the final notes of Purple Rain rang out, the audience rose to their feet in appreciation

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Want to experience the nostalgia for yourself? Then join us for a Fully Inclusive Spring Getaway at Potters, on the Norfolk coast or in the Essex countryside.