THOSE WERE THE DAYS The Garage International Until 17 Mar 2017 Review by Luke Wagner Remember those bands you would see perform at the local pub years ago? They always did a solid cover and took some risks with some of their own tracks? “Those Were the Days” relives this exact type of nostalgia. Dark Horse are reuniting thirty years after they called it quits and went their separate ways. The band members – Susan Oldknow as Sally, Mark Hallam as Dude, Julie Oldknow as Lexie, Deb Waller as Cassie Tim Victory as Hammer, Clint Mullins as Andy and Alex Ling as Monty – have all forged their own lives with varying degrees of success. They are joined by their money-grubbing manager Brooke, played by Suzie Cherry, and tavern owner Molly, played by Kirsty Battersby. The strongest link in this cast is the sense of ensemble. All eight performers are clearly well in sync and are having an absolute ball which resonates throughout the crowd. Both Julie and Susan Oldknow have lovely singing voices and provide a strong basis for some stunning harmonies. Debra Waller also shines with her soulful Janis Joplin moment. Suzie Cherry and Kirsty Battersby provide some brilliant characterisation and a hilarious generational rivalry is born. Mullins, Ling, and Victory round out the band and bring a great Aussie rock feel. This show created a brilliant atmosphere and crafted a whole evening of entertainment. They are able to make the audience feel like they are at a reunion when they are meeting the characters for the very first time, and this is the key to this shows success. This show feels like you are really watching a group of old friends reconnect and celebrate over some of their favourite songs, and that means that the cast have been very successful. Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)