By Catherine Collins

TEDDY, the award-winning rock ’n’ roll musical opened at NST Campus last night, and it burst onto the stage in 1950s London, following the aftermath of the Blitz.

The audience is transported to a Saturday night in bombed out Elephant and Castle, South London - surrounded by tatty posters advertising old-time favourites, such as Camp Coffee, Brillo Pads, Bird's Custard and Rowntree's Fruit Gums, for a story of teenage rebellion set in the birth of a new musical era.

Its original songs, performed live by a stunning and charismatic band, are an atmospheric accompaniment to the story of a night on the town by two young people, Teddy (George Parker) and Josie (Molly Chesworth).

So what if it’s pouring down, they’re totally skint and someone wants them dead?

A little trouble never stopped a Ted from having a good time and desperate times call for rock ‘n’ roll, so when they find themselves short of cash to get into the gig of their favourite star, Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts, they decide to rob a pawn shop.

The pair are all dressed up and ready to hit the streets of London for an unforgettable night to remember, and George Parker's inspired and charismatic performance as Teddy ensures that the audience's night is unforgettable too. He is truly mesmerising.

Molly Chesworth is both passionate and convincing as Josie, and the two of them together take us on a deep and emotional adventure we'll never forget, with an emotive chemistry that helps them to command the stage in a way that enthrals and captivates the audience.

In the four person band - which makes up the remainder of the show's cast - we meet Andrew Gallow as drummer, Sammy ‘the sticks’ Smith, Freya Parks as bass player with attitude, Jenny O’Malley, musical director Harrison White on lead guitar as Buster Watson and Dylan Wood playing Johnny Valentine with his smooth dulcet tones.

Tristan Bernay’s clever script is written in verse and rhyme and takes the audience on a storytelling journey of deep emotions with the rebellious teens, as their romance blossoms despite all the night throws at them.

Directed by Eleanor Rhode, Teddy is unpredictable and gripping and will leave you toe-tapping all the way home!

Teddy runs until March 3 and tickets are available from the box office on 023 8067 1771 or online at www.nstheatres.co.uk.