September 2000 - Region 11 - Edith Yates
SUMMER SHOW 2000
Abbey Musical Society
This was a good evening's entertainment with non-stop singing directed by Noreen Steel and clever dance routines that were choreographed by Sarah Jackson. The musical numbers were mainly from shows recently revived in the West End plus some of the society's own favourites. It was a simple, clean set, but this was helped by the clever lighting giving various moods to suit the music. Jackie Dower was perfect in her introductions, putting in a few highlights of her own. I don't intend to mention the individuals because this society is just a wealth of talent with lots of men, each and everyone playing leading roles.
It was good to see a full house, and I am sorry I had to dash away at the end, but I did manage to see the finale which was brilliant. Thank you Abbey.
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
Lancaster Footlights
This was my first 'official' visit to this Society, which is a very talented group. Mr. Perks, played by David Dann, was well done as the Station Master, and the story unfolded with his commentary. Kate Greenwood (Roberta) Charley Weatherill (Phyllis) and Edward Cook (Peter) playing the Railway children had been very well cast and performed with every confidence; they were a joy to watch. Their Mother was played by Debbie Stevenson with much sincerity and a lovely characterisation. Argo Ashton made a convincing Dr. Forrest and the Old Gentleman was well played by Noel McKee. The difficult character of Mr.Szczepansky was very well played by Geoff Finn. All the Perks' children had been well cast and there were good characterisations from all the adults. Sound effects were good throughout. Mention must be made of the set which cleverly divided into two different rooms and Ross Grover must be congratulated on the train, this was something quite special. You really felt it was coming straight out of the tunnel - just like magic. This was a very good evening's entertainment.
ANNIE WARBUCKS
Morecambe Amateurs
This was a good production by Joyce Warrington and nothing like what the reporter wrote in the local press.
Annie Warbucks was played (on the night I attended) very confidently and with good timing by Holly-Jane Brierley. Talented Alan Hargreaves played Oliver Warbucks with all the necessary warmth required. If Oscars were being given this would go to Meryl Bull for her portrayal of Commissioner Doyle - she was perfect in every way. A lovely character. Vanessa Whittle was charming as Grace Farrell, again played with lots of feeling. It was good to see Donald MacPherson back on stage who played the convincing Roosevelt. Dancing was certainly up to the usual high standard, but the orchestra was a little too loud at times. All parts had been well cast with good costumes and scenery.
CHARITY CABARET
Grange & District Amateur Operatic Society
This was a musical evening celebrating 50 years of the Society. We were treated to good chorus numbers and several principal roles, and good comedy. The movements of the chorus were very clever, they moved as one with each number and again we had a very good set. The children had been well schooled and all added up to a good evening. I also enjoyed the exhibition of memorabilia and understand all the hard work that had been done in this area.
MAGIC, MOTORS & MAYHEM
Pilling Drama Group
This was an evening of good entertainment. First we had a short one-act play produced by Joan Jackson, Simply the Best. Jack the garage owner was well played by John Savage, and strong acting came from Jenny Blyth as Rosalind. Jenny's acting helped to give confidence to Marlene Connolly (Michelle) and Christine Davies (Lucy).
Next we had a very good dialect poem 'Going to the Seaside' by Jean Curwen. To take us up to the interval we had "The Pilling Dippers" which was very funny and effective.
After the interval John Savage entertained us with a poem "When I were a Lad". This was very good, showing off the talent of John. Christine Davies then gave us "The Ballad of the Wogglers Moulie", and this was very well sung.
Finally we had another one-act play That Old Black Magic produced by Maureen O'Reilly. This was a good comedy played by Jean Curwen, Linda Green and Yvonne Clavin - well done.
ME AND MY GIRL
Millom AOS.
Unfortunately the singing did not come up to the usual standard of this society, but, having said this, nothing else mattered because the talented acting made up for it. Michael Cairns playing Bill Snibson was perfect in the part and he played with much confidence and good timing, especially the Library scene. Coupled with Lynne McGuire as Sally Smith, they made a good pair with excellent dancing and good accents. Keith Hitchen (Herbert Parchester) made a good family solicitor and moved well: his dancing warrants a special mention. Lynn Paton played Lady Jacqueline with all the necessary panache and coupled with the comic Gerald Bolingbroke (Jan Knake) they made an ideal couple. The Duchess was well characterised by Jonquil MacDonald and was well suited. Together with Peter Bower playing Sir John Tremayne they were an ideal pair. There was good dancing throughout especially the 'Lambeth Walk.'
OKLAHOMA!
Barrow Amateur ADS
This is a show when the enthusiasm of the cast comes over to the audience, and it certainly happened here. David Marcus must have been very pleased with the end result. Good musical direction by Peter Dyer and superb dancers trained by choreographer Deborah Brown especially the dream ballet. Chris Warby as Curly and Karen Shaw as Laurey made the ideal couple with lovely singing from both of them. Jenny Shipley made a loveable Aunt Eller and kept her character throughout. The sinister Jud Fry was well played by Kenny Smyth. You could hear a pin drop when he sang 'Lonely Room'. Comedy was brought in by Ali Hakim played by Martin Craig who had the audience in stitches with his antics. Mark Johnson played Will Parker very well coupled with Kay Charnley as Ado Annie: both had been well cast.
Good costumes and scenery, a supporting cast and a good chorus all added up to a super evening.
F. A. M. E.
St. Oswald's Dramatists
This society is made up entirely of young people and you may think that an ambitious production such as this would be out of the reach of such a company, but how wrong you would be!
Lydon Tyler played the part of Nick Piazza with a maturity far beyond his years and Beccy Lambert captivated the audience with her vocals as Serena Katz during "Let's Play a Love Scene" and the challenging "Think of Meryl Streep". Charlotte Hall took the role of Carmen Diaz and performed with a degree of professionalism that would leave many actors envious. From the Latin Rock "Fame" to the drug-induced pathos of "In L.A." her performance was, at all times, totally believable and a delight to watch.
Rea Bradshaw gave a humorous portrayal of the anguished dancer, Mabel Washington, culminating in a suitably gospel performance of "Mabel's Prayer". Peter Haughton as Tyrone Jackson gave the audience angry attitude during "Tyrone's Rap" and in the second half displayed his dancing skills in "Dancing On The Sidewalk" and "Jazz Ballet" this with Joanna Jackson.
The teachers, played by Katy Taylor and Lucy Grundy, worked well against each other as the differing faces of the establishment, with Katy Taylor showing a jazz-style in the soulful "These Are My Children". The role of Schlomo Metzenbaum was shared between David Bone and Matthew Clement who both brought a mature sensitivity to the show-closing "Bring On Tomorrow".
A small band provided an excellent accompaniment, coping with a very difficult score with professionalism, added to during the rock numbers by the enthusiastic dancing of the company and a disco light show. The young people all obviously "had a ball" during this performance. The result was an enthusiastic and exciting show, due, in no small part, to the direction of Anne Markland and her team of helpers, too numerous to mention here, but all part of a very effective team. I am looking forward to Oklahoma! in 2001.
MACK AND MABEL
Lancaster Red Rose AODS
I enjoyed my visit to the Grand Theatre, Lancaster very much when I went to see the Lancaster Red Rose AODS production of Mack and Mabel.
The Red Rose is one of the first societies in the North West to present this very complex show and the company did an excellent job of it. Kathleen Kenyon is to be congratulated on the whole production and on the pace at which it was taken - it must be one of the best shows the society has presented for many years.
The main role of Mack Sennett was brilliantly played by Geoff Houghton. Geoff has played many lead roles since joining the Red Rose some twenty years ago but none better than this. The songs suited his baritone voice perfectly. He was very ably supported by Karen MacGregor as Mabel Normand and she acted the part with great feeling.
Kate Ashton stepped up from the dancers to play Lottie and her "Tap Your Troubles Away" number with the dancers was one of the highlights of the show. Another highlight was the Keystone Cops' number. Amongst the other notable parts were Michael Dowthwaite and Gordon Waddington as Kleiman and Fox: their number "Hit 'Em On the Head" with Mack was outstanding.
One of the younger members of the Society, Paul Knowles, impressed as Frank. He started in the Red Rose Juniors and played his part very well
John Atkinson gave a polished performance as William Desmond Taylor. It was great that June Wray, as Ella, was able to play the piano live on stage for the silent movie filming, etc.
The tuneful music by Jerry Herman was very well played by the orchestra, although at times it did overwhelm the people on stage.
Val Goulding and Anne Barnes are to be congratulated on their choreography for the whole show.
All in all, it was a very successful evening. I hope the audiences the rest of the week enjoyed the show as much as those who attended the night I was there.
HALF A SIXPENCE.
Morecambe Warblers AOS.
This is the story of two childhood sweethearts, Arthur Kipps a draper's apprentice, and Ann Pornick, a parlour maid. It is a lively show, full of good musical numbers. Kipps, played by Simon Kay, was perfectly cast. It is a very demanding role and Simon carried it off quite effortlessly. He sang all his musical numbers with good feeling . The role of Ann was beautifully played by Lisa Howells. She sang well with the chorus and with Kipps. The apprentices and shop girls gave their full support. Mr. Shalford was well played by David Liptrott who commanded the right respect which this part requires. Joan Sharpe was excellent as Mrs. Walsingham playing with all the dignity needed by the character - her stage experience certainly came through. A good characterisation of Chitterlow was given by Argo Ashton.
All smaller parts had been well cast and the show was quite a tribute to their producer who unfortunately passed away prior to the production. She would have been very proud and pleased with the end result.