Legendary sounds from the rats

Christmas with The Rat Pack, Ipswich Regent November 27

LAS Vegas came to Ipswich as the enduring sounds of the legendary Rat Pack drew more than 1,000 fans to the Regent.

A big band, a lavish set and the melodic "swing" sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. combined in a magical evening of entertainment.

The Regent was transformed into the Sands Hotel, Las Vegas, for one night only as hit after hit from the Rat Pack era of the '50s and '60s was reeled off by three excellent lookalikes-cum-soundalikes.

This was the third date of a nationwide Christmas show and Chris Mann, as Sinatra, Mark Adams, as Martin and Rohan Rekord, as Sammy David Jnr., turned in a polished and stylish performance.

The Rat Packers were backed by their counterparts of old, the three Burelli sisters, Nikki Stokes, as Connie, Robyn Currell, as Martha and Miranda Wilford, as Helevitia, who almost outdid the boys with some superb singing, dancing and glamorous outfits.

This show was not just about the music that captured the hearts of a generation on both sides of the Atlantic - there was slapstick and tom-foolery as the trio of men combined with style and clever timing.

For his quality singing voice and excellent portrayal of the boozed-up Dean Martin, Mark Adams just pipped Chris Mann as the star of the show.

He started off proceedings with a classy "Amore" - if you closed your eyes for a moment it was as if Martin was standing there on Suffolk soil.

Mann was accomplished with "My Kind of Town" and Reckford joined in with power and passion as the threesome hit the spot with "New York, New York".

A Christmas combo of songs and carols followed the break and the audience went home happy after all the singers joined together for Have Yourselves a Very Merry Christmas, when make-believe snow dropped from the rafters.

A great night at the Regent - and an early Merry Christmas to you!

Nigel Pickover