January 2000 - Region 10 - Peter D Hendren
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Maryport AOS
A bright entertaining show from the burgeoning talent of the Junior Section of Maryport AOS. Producer Ed McGee, on his first visit to Maryport, created a fine spirit in the cast, and this was enhanced by the adult teams all pitching in, in the name of entertaining the public.
Dorothy (in the capable hands of Helen Darvill,) is the linchpin of most scenes, and was solid throughout. Her sidekicks of Scarecrow (Natalie Fawcett), Tinman (Peter Stephanou), and Cowardly Lion (Jamie Birkett) made a great quartet, and were excellently convincing, as was Clarke Wilkinson as the Wizard himself.
All the youngsters turned in good performances, and the Society is to be congratulated in "growing their own" talent for the future.
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Whitehaven Theatre Group
This farce by Ray Cooney needs bags of pace in delivery. I saw it on the first night, and it needed 'lifting'. No doubt it will improve by the end of the run, but several prompts didn't help. Faster pick up of cues improves the pace, too.
The sidekick doctors, Roger Wilson and Willy Dodd, had some nice touches, especially in their inspired impersonations, and later Tony Roberts embellished his part well. Marion Fox as Jane Tate was suitably surprised, angry, puzzled, etc. by turns against the machinations of Ian Watson (Dr Mortimore).
To my mind the play was 20 minutes too long, as there were so many twists and turns and wrong directions brought in to keep the pot boiling. I felt the audience lost close interest. However, the Theatre Group manfully did its best with some manic moves.
The Sleeping Beauty
Whitehaven Theatre Group
This was a colourful and spectacular show by the Theatre Group. The costumes were especially good for every cast member. This story is slow to unfold, but the cast, under director Anne Wilson, worked well to keep the entertainment going. I liked particularly the characterisation of the King and Queen (Cuth Murphy and Yvonne Chapman) and their eventual dominance role-reversal. Also, I admired the energy and verve of Jack (Paul McCumiskey) and Nausea (Julie Kessell).
The first night produced some occasional slow cues (especially into songs) when the pace dropped, but doubtless the show zipped along by the end of the week's run.
This was good entertainment for the folk of Whitehaven.
BARNUM
Workington AOS
Razzamatazz is needed in this show, and razzamatazz we got. Producer Ed McGee had some good business items, aided by the cast and, of course, the circus props suppliers, Howarth Wrightson.
Tex Houghton as P.T. Barnum dominated the show throughout most excellently, and was complemented by a charming and sensitive performance from Marlene Johnston as his wife Chairy.
As ever Gary Foley worked hard, initially as Tom Thumb and later as Barnum's assistant. The chorus worked brilliantly with its movements, circus tricks and producer's business. And, best of all, was enjoying it hugely.
Bright, bouncy and brash are words that epitomise the show. Great entertainment for cast and public alike. Thank you, Workington AOS.