The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas

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The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas – A West End Celebration

"The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas" debuted in London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on March 25, 2003, kicking off a storied run that spanned over 1,000 performances across multiple venues. Conceived and directed by Mitch Sebastian for Flying Music Group, this tribute musical recreates the electric 1960s Sands Hotel performances of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. After a 12-week Haymarket stint, it transferred to the Strand Theatre (now Novello) in July 2003 for two years, then to the Savoy Theatre from May 2005 to August 2007. Returning intermittently most recently in December 2017 with Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary nod it remains a beloved homage to the Rat Pack’s swagger, last playing the Haymarket until February 2018.

A Night at the Sands Relived

The show transports audiences to the Copa Room at Las Vegas’ Sands Hotel, circa 1960, during the filming of "Ocean’s Eleven," when Sinatra, Martin, and Davis first shared a stage with Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. The loose narrative mirrors their real-life camaraderie impromptu banter, drinks in hand, and a playlist of era-defining hits. From Sinatra’s commanding presence to Martin’s laid-back charm and Davis’ dynamic flair, the production captures their reign as the “Kings of Cool,” ruling Vegas while the world watched. It’s less a scripted story and more a nostalgic concert, steeped in the trio’s effortless charisma and the city’s golden age glitz.

Timeless Tunes of the Coolest Cats

The musical’s backbone is its songbook, packed with Rat Pack staples like “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “My Way,” “That’s Amore,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and “New York, New York.” Backed by the 12-piece Rat Pack Big Band under Matthew Freeman’s direction, the score arranged by Sebastian evokes the swing and swagger of the originals. Additions like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Sway” keep the energy high, while the 2017-2018 run introduced Ella Fitzgerald classics like “S’Wonderful” to honor her legacy. A 2004 DVD and cast recording preserve the show’s polish, earning it a 2003 Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment.

Stars Who Channel the Legends

The original West End cast featured Stephen Triffitt as Sinatra, Mark Adams as Martin, and George Daniel Long as Davis, setting a high bar with their uncanny vocal and physical likenesses. Later runs saw Garrett Phillips, Nigel Casey, and David Hayes take the reins, with Joanna Walters and the Burrelli Sisters adding glamour. The 2017 revival welcomed Nicola Emmanuelle as Fitzgerald, joining Phillips, Casey, and Hayes. Sebastian’s choreography and Sean Kavanagh’s sleek designs think tuxedos and Vegas lights frame the talent, delivering a “terrific” spectacle (Financial Times) that’s toured globally, from the U.S. to Denmark.

A Swingin’ Legacy in London

From its 2003 Haymarket bow to its 25th-anniversary UK tour in 2023, "The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas" has logged over 1,000 West End shows across eight theatres, including the Adelphi and Drury Lane. Its 2009-2010 Adelphi season and 2017 Haymarket return featuring a Christmas twist kept the party alive, ending its last London stint in February 2018. Nominated for Whatsonstage and Olivier awards, it’s outlasted many peers, blending nostalgia with showmanship. As of March 2025, its sporadic West End revivals and ongoing tours affirm its status as a timeless salute to Vegas’ coolest trio.