Our arrival at the Arts Theatre is perfectly timed to coincide with a mod cavalcade of Vespa's and Lambretta's that roar down Great Newport Street announcing the triumphant West End return of All Or Nothing: The Mod Musical.

Inside we are introduced to the narrator - an older 'passed on' Steve Marriott - as the production transports us straight to the last Small Faces gig at Alexandra Palace playing Rollin' Over and it's immediately clear that we are in for a treat.

A skilled cast of actor musicians then take us through the early years of Marriott's upbringing and band formation with particular focus on his relationship with his mum, played by talented writer and director Carol Harrison.

The story follows the four friends as they enter into the clutches of rogue swindler manager Don Arden where their dire financial situation is sealed. Endless tours, screaming fans, rhythm ā€˜nā€™ blues, pill and parties collide in this tale of musical excess.

Set design is based around a drum kit and keyboard centre stage allowing the narrative to be interspersed with the classic sounds of The Small Faces. A beautifully selected soundtrack includes 'Itchycoo Park', 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It', 'Lazy Sunday' and of course the classic 'All Or Nothing'.

Daniel Beales plays a series of fantastically eccentric comic cameos and Karis Anderson (of Stooshe) gives a lovely rendition of Tin Soldier as PP Arnold.

Marriott's self destructive nature serves to unravel the band in a tale that brings us back where we stepped in at Alexandra Palace. A poignant interchange with the mother and her dead son concludes a well worked tale of the inner machinations of The Small Faces, a band that has always remained a mod staple and held in high regard by music lovers of all persuasions.

LATEST REVIEWS