January 2001 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Maghull AOS
Director: Mark Duffy
Musical Director: Michael Hoyland
Choreographer: Gaynor Hale
This show, on the face of it, is not a comedy but there is a tremendous amount of humour contained in it. Quite a lot of the one-liners are Tevye's and not one was missed by Tony Kelly who gave the best performance I have seen from this young man. His wife, Marie Orr, was a little quiet for the role of Golde but the song 'Do You Love me?' was sincere and provided a lovely moment between the two of them.
We had nice performances from all the daughters. I especially like Sarah Culshaw as Chave. Her relationship with Fyedka (David Moreland) came across very well. The next eldest was Hodel and it was nice to see such a talented young lady on stage again with her real-life partner Dave Lee who gave Perchik a spark of life.
The eldest daughter, Tzeitel (Sally Lane) came across well her Motel played by Dave Cox. Carol Kennedy as Fruma-Sarah was a scream in every sense of the word - very well done.
In the end this show had some lovely individual performances but the music was not always what it should have been. It was a most enjoyable evening, even so, and, thanks to Tevye, one I shall remember with a smile.
HOT SPOT
S.O.N.G.
Director: Stephen Hughes-Alty
Choreographer: Pippa Dunnett
Musical Director: Paul Williams
This was a most enjoyable evening in Southport - a return to the days of prohibition in the USA - the time of speakeasies, gangsters and their molls. This was the atmosphere the group was after and one it achieved.
The musical play which started out as an improvisation and then scripted by the director was a credit to the company. The dancing, movement and music were so apt and, most of all, with the total involvement of the whole cast, these young people simply made the whole thing come alive. The end result was a superb piece of theatre.
We had some wonderful caricatures: Natalie Jackson's Ann Safone to Sam Francisco, Serenity Brown, head waitress, played by Lauren Murphy; Jack Daniels, just a 'short' waiter (Andrew Mackley); and Sam Francisco the club owner played by Phil Hunter.
The two lovers, Dusty (David Siebert) and Grace Munroe (Sophie Kenny) the latter having a voice and a half. All the characters were well drawn and sustained.
We also had some lovely moments of theatre. Helen Gambon who played Honey Bun and handled the audience participation so well, but for the sustained comedy performance Katie O'Callaghan as Faith Brown was so funny. This dumb-blonde was totally believable - a great performance from one so young.
Yes, I liked what I saw and may this new generation grow until eventually they perform in the adult society to which they are affiliated.
CALAMITY JANE
Pilkington AO & DS
Director: Norma J. Houghton
Musical Director: Edna Lally
Choreographer: Michelle Wakefield
I saw this show on the opening night and I was pleasantly surprised at the first night house. They can be so poor and, like all societies that perform in professional venues, costs are forever rising. I hope the week continued in the same vein.
The orchestra was extremely thin in the overture but it did improve as the show continued. The set was acceptable but, at times, we had the front tabs being moved by the chorus to get down stage which destroyed the picture. Apart from a nervous start, which was understandable, it picked up and we had some nice cameos. Henry Miller (John Dawson) and Susan (Anna Wilkinson) set the scene. Calamity Jane (Jean Aspinall) held it all together but she was too clean in the opening. Gareth Webb gave us a strong Wild Bill Hickock and the scenes between Calamity and Bill were very good.
Martin Parry played Danny Gilmartin who chases Katie Brown, alias Louise Phelan. This was her debut role for this society although I have seen Louise perform before. This was the best thing I have seen her do to date. But, for me, Francis Fryer stole the show. Yet another extremely good performance by the talented Simon Foster.
SINGIN IN THE RAIN
Adlington Music & Arts Society
Director: Mr. D. Norris
Musical Director: Mr. D. Griffiths
Choreographer: Mrs. G. Pilkington.
It never ceases to amaze me what this society can do on a postage stamp sized stage - and it has done it again! A set which any company would pay to hire - complete with 'rain' - and the night I attended they also laid on rain outside as well!
The two main principals matched each other well and while it was Kathy's (Lynne Nolan) dancing that caught the eye, it was Paul Kirkbright's beautiful singing voice that was a joy to listen to in his portrayal of Don Lockwood. Don's side-kick, Cosmo Brown (Philip May) did a good job but I was a little disappointed with the end of his "Make 'Em Laugh" number. I thought more could have been done. We had, what is becoming the usual double cameo by Sharon Morris. Both little gems and a smashing diction teacher who `made a great foil for Cosmo and Don in "Moses Supposes". We had two stars for the future in David Simmons and David Ratcliffe who portrayed the young Cosmo and Don - very well done, lads!
I cannot finish this review without congratulating a truly rib-tickling performance by Joy Plowes who, as Lina Lamont, grew stronger and stronger as the show went on.
Well done, back stage crew, again: another miracle under wraps.
My thanks for a very enjoyable evening plus being able, finally, to present chairman Jack Bothamley with his Millie nomination certificate for Best Set Design.
AN ORGY OF MUSIC AND COMEDY
Hindley & Wigan AOS
Director: David Traynor
Musical Director: Joan Bond
Choreographer: Jane Quinlan
This show nearly had no venue to perform at by the authorities have given the hall in Wigan a stay of execution. It is to be hoped that a local theatre can help when this hall finally closes as two local societies use the present venue and the area is not blessed with many alternatives.
This production was a change from the usual concert and the new director stamped his mark on the evening from the opening chorus not only by opening the show but performing throughout as compère.
It was a lovely opening with "Comedy Tonight" and the night progressing with a mixture of recent West End shows and comedy sketches plus the society's dancer who were splendid - as I have come to expect from Jane and her girls.
The society took the opportunity to blood further members of its youth group and this worked well. There was an hilarious sketch with Gemma Reid and Peter Boon followed by a lovely selection from Whistle Down the Wind in which we had a haunting rendition of the title song by Alison Wilson.
The second half had extracts from Joseph and Sunset Boulevard in which we heard Marie Collier sing "Never Say Goodbye" followed with "One Look" sung by Gwyneth Holt. Christine Armstrong was, as usual, on top form and had the audience in tucks of laughter in each of the sketches in which she appeared. Gwyneth also appeared and sang well in the ABBA tribute - and, just to finish off an entertaining evening she led the company in songs from The Lion King.
SAND CASTLES
The Players - Skelmersdale
First of all may I thank the society for the invitation to watch this new comedy, written by Bob Larby, for the BT. Biennial. This play is written like a TV play with each scene building to a punch line or climax.
The set, three differing beach huts each depicting the personality of its occupant. The difference was well defined and sustained throughout.
The play had a cast of eighteen and that included two very young scene stealers, Joel Glyn and Alex Lacey. We also had some very good performances. I particularly enjoyed Charles Price as William Patterson and an extremely entertaining cameo by Lesley Parker as Mrs. Billet.
They were supported well by Barbara White as Bernice Billet and Ian Duffey as the outsider, Doug, with his two nieces who went down well with the audience. These two young ladies were played by Clare Glynn and Danielle Larson.
This was an entertaining introduction to the society. I look forward to further visits to Skelmersdale in the future.
SEE HOW THEY RUN
Ormskirk Theatre Company
This middle part of the trilogy of the vicar stories by Philip King is a classic. It is a super farce and, like all good farces, only works if there is pace and a build-up to the climaxes at the end of each act.
Unfortunately, we had no mood music which would have helped and the dialogue was not attacked right from the beginning, possibly because of first-night nerves. The pace did pick up once we had Gary Simpson and Sue Morris on stage together. As Penelope and Clive they came across well. The only thing with Penelope was that, from time to time, we has a breathy delivery which made the ends of the sentences disappear. She improved tremendously when she didn't do it.
The Reverend Lionel Toop, her husband, played by Andy Hawkins, although he looked the part his delivery was too quiet and I had difficulty in hearing him. This was something Barbie Fillingham caught as her Miss Skillon started in the same way but she improved and her drunken scenes were smashing.
Sergeant Towers was played a little too much OTT by Graham Wareing but he certainly looked the part. The intruder was played by Clive Moss - just a little too young for the part but he gave it a good shot. Both the Bishop of Lax (Colin Lea) and Humphrey (Alan Thompson) had problems with their dog collars which was a shame. You should always check that you are dressed properly otherwise your character can lose credibility.
The role of Ida, played superbly well by Rita Sharples, just showed how farce should be played - her timing was spot on.
It was a poor audience for the first night. I hope it improved as the run progresses as I am sure the performance would once the first night was over. Thanks for an enjoyable evening.
DEAD GUILTY
Waterloo and Crosby Theatre Company
Produced by Roy Hartley.
This was the first night and all we were lacking was some petrol - and an audience. But those that made the effort saw a sound opening performance with this difficult four-hander. Everything was against them including the desk light which, in the second act, decided to flash on and off continually. I am sure this irritated the cast as well!
The two central characters were strong and both Sally Anne Smerdon as Julia and Pamela Foy as Margaret Handdrell did very well. They were supported by Alex Sinclair as Gary and Barbara Lawson who played the caring social worker Anne.
This is not an ideal play for the theatre with more scenes than I could count and with each blackout a loss of concentration by the audience. An ideal play for television, the cast did well to hold our interest and give an entertaining evening.
LAST TANGO IN WHITBY
Chorley ADOS
Director: Sean Duxbury
This is one show that tests an aspect of the actor's ability which does not get used much except in rehearsal and that is mime. We are taken on a coach ride to Whitby and we, the audience, had to imagine the said coach. This group did extremely well. I liked the four slide projectors used in the auditorium which gave us a taste of the journey plus the one projected on stage. The music was good and the "last tango" as the end a nice addition - and well executed.
Both Jimmy (Alan Pearson) and Henry (Edward Baldwin) gave good performances and we backed up by the rest of the coach party. Kathleen was a lovely cameo by Trish Pemberton and totally different from the last time I saw her on that stage.
We also had sound performances from Cathy Hurley as Pat and John Johnston as Phil. But the gem of the evening was a super portrayal of Jessie by Sandra Dickinson. What a dancer she is, to boot, and just to show that it's not just the big parts that catch the eye, Zoe Duffin's Clare was so natural and so funny. Well done, to all of you.
WALTZES FROM VIENNA
St Helens AOS
Director: James Kirby
Musical Director: Charles Moss
The music of the Strauss family has always been popular throughout the years and in this show we are given sound-bites of the works of both Johann Strauss I and II and the acceptance, eventually, of the sons' talent by the father.
This, as the programme states, is a pastiche and the blend somehow does not completely work. This is the second time that I have seen the show and I have not changed my opinion that there are better vehicles for a talented society to do.
Both leads, Michael Barrett (Johann Strauss II) and Lyn Jones (Lina) fought manfully with the songs and libretto and the delivery of Vincent Brennan as Ebeseder was good. Mitzi (Elizabeth Lamb) showed promise. There were two nice cameos by Albert Perry as Vogl and Bert Devlin as Vronski. Drexler was very well played by Joe Crawley.
Like all societies young people are needed and although the director moved the chorus as well as possible an injection of younger members will ease the concerns for the future. May I say that the wardrobe for this production was absolutely wonderful. I am sure that other societies will be interest in hiring such lovely costumes.
Thank you to all concerned for an entertaining evening.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Knowsley Music Theatre
Director/choreographer: Claire Morris and Stephen Titchmarsh
Musical Director: Peter Thirsk
I thought I had seen the best of this company but it just gets better. The company of young people give 100% to every production and if they were to use their performance as part of their 'A' levels I would give them straight As. When you see a cast of 32 all totally involved in what they are doing, no time to stand and stare they are there and because of that, so is the audience.
This performance from this youth group was done in the round and so you were drawn in to the action on stage. Nowhere to hid, the chorus was a prominent as the principals and with such superb dancing ability the group is just a joy to watch.
Peter Corrigan's portrayal of Jesus was as moving as anything I have seen professionally and the same could be said for Judas played by Paul Cullen and Linda Talbot's Mary Magdalene. Both of these characters shared the roles with Darren Dolphin and Charlotte Tran, and although I did not see the latter, I have no doubt that their performance would be no less impressive.
If any youth group work as a team this one does but I cannot help commending an extraordinary King Herod. Well done, Steve Hart. Add this to the stage effects and you just didn't want the show to finish. My thanks.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR® DREAMCOAT
St Paul's Amateur Players
Director: Graham Cohen
Musical Director: Judith Holt
Choreographer: Julia M. Salvage
This youth production was very capably done by this energetic group and well directed by Graham Cohen.
We had gremlins in the sound system but they were rectified as the show progressed but, although the children gave 100% I was disappointed with the band which did not.
We had two small choirs on either side of the proscenium and they were enchanting. At no time did they lose concentration or forget the routines. Congratulations to the two principals who had the most to do, namely Russell Ditchfield as Joseph and Sonia Harris as the Narrator.
The guest appearance of Pharaoh was well done by Michael Wignall - he took his Elvis impersonation in his stride. A full house enjoyed every minute of this show - as I did. Well done to all, both on stage and behind the scenes.
SYLVIA'S WEDDING
St Ambrose Players, Leyland
Director: Lionel Glover.
This charming comedy with a twist in the tale is a gem. It was well cast even if the director had to step in at that last minute and perform himself. All credit to him as it would not have been apparent to either me or the audience if it had not been announced.
The play is full of wonderful characters, well conceived and played. The use of the doors either side of the stage was very imaginative and worked well, as did the rest of this well thought out set.
In Hilary Cookson they had a smashing Sylvia, showing her naïveté and vulnerability. While Lionel Glover as Gordon showed very well the transformation from boyishness into manhood in his relationship with Yvonne played by Jean Robinson who, once again, gave the usual super performance I have come to expect from this actress. Gordon may have been a late starter but he certainly made up for lost time!
The two mums played by Joan Hudson as Joyce and Kath Creer as Myrtle showed a nice contrast in delivery and a marked difference in lifestyles which was echoed even more strongly by their husbands. A reliable performance by Colin Woods as Vic, and although I liked the character of Stanley I received the impression that there was a little hesitance where lines were concerned which I am sure was reminded as the run progressed.
Once again a performance from a society which consistently hits high standards with its dramatic presentations and this was one more to add to the list. Well done to everyone involved.
MILLENNIUM CONCERT
Merseyside Opera
Musical Director: John Flood
Accompanist: John Peace
This concert was in aid of the NSPCC and was held in the magnificent St George's Hall in the centre of Liverpool. In such a setting we had an evening of wonderful music both sung and played, from the opening chorus of Verdi's Nabucco until the last strains of 'Nessun Dorma' echoed through the colonnade outside.
During the evening we also had three Liverpool tenors taking the spotlight; Terry Follin and his son, Andrew, plus Paul Denemy. For Merseyside Opera we had both Mike Broom and Gwyneth Holt in good voice. So too was Noreen Hazelhurst who sang 'Oh! Mio babbino caro'. Rounding off the first half we had a rousing 'Soldiers' Chorus' by Verdi followed by a touching rendition of 'Home To Our Mountain', again from Il Trovatore.
The second half started with La Traviata and the 'Drinking Song' sung by Barbara Mackenzie and Paul Denemy. Barbara later sang a lovely solo from Tosca after which Anne O'Hara and Gwyneth Holt sang, what was for me, one of the highlights of the evening, 'The Flower Duet' by Delibes.
One could hear a pin drop at the end of Terry Fellons rendition of Michel Schönberg's 'Bring Him Home' and the evening's penultimate item sung superbly well by the chorus only to be topped by 'The Easter Hymn' from Cavalleria Rusticana with the gorgeous voice of Laura Hudson doing full justice to this beautiful piece of music.
I have mentioned only the highlights. But the audience will vouch that all the numbers were sung well and that everyone would go home agreeing that we all had a wonderful evening. My thanks to all concerned.
THE MERRY WIDOW
Birkdale Orpheus Society
Director: Thelma Falls-Hand
Musical Director: Steve Lockwood
Choreographer: Jack Donnelly
What an eventful evening and what a wonderful show. A troublesome lead up to the curtain but once up everyone was transported across the channel with the help of Franz Lehár's beautiful music and what followed was an evening which I , like many others, didn't want to end.
This show is based around the titled character so its success also demands a good Widow. The saying that good things come in small packages was never more true when I saw one of the best Anna's I have ever seen played by Ruth Williams. She had poise and elegance but this was not a one-dimensional performance. Oh, no, it had depth and when roused she showed the other side of Anna's temperament and out came the peasant girl rising to the surface. This vivacious young lady captivated the audience and with the supporting cast we witnessed a well directed, very well choreographed and musically directed show.
To match Anna we had another extremely good performance by Andrew Thwaite who gave panache to the character of Danilo. We had a very acceptable Baron Zeta (Terry Durrance) and a charming Valencienne (Elaine Connell) who showed that she could dance as well as sing. Camille (Mark Warren) sang his two numbers with sincerity and Les Hampson gave Njegus a character which he sustained throughout providing a foil for the Baron and for much of the comedy.
This show moved well until the final curtain which was all choreographed to perfection. My congratulations to all backstage and the cast.
THE BRAND NEW ALL SINGING ALL DANCING SHOW
Chorley Little Theatre
Devised and choreographed by Emma Bartlett and Lorraine Sullivan.
This songs-from-the-shows had only one thing wrong with it - it was too long: take half an hour off and it would be fine.
To start with the highlights for me: there was a lovely rendition of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' by the talented Emma Bartlett followed by Joanne Cunliffe and a nice twist on 'Send In the Clowns'. Then came the children and both Rachel Lacy and Sophie Fagon did songs from Annie with the backing from a stage full of fellow orphans. Then to end the first half we had the glorious voice of Simon Greenwood with that lovely song 'Just One Look' from Sunset Boulevard.
In the second act we had a comical 'Just Can't Wait To Be King' from Rebecca Higgin and Ben Mayo and the other song from The Lion King, 'Circle Of Life' again sung well by Simon Greenwood. To continue the Disney them we were offered Aladdin's 'A Whole New World'. In this I was impressed by the voice of Jill Fagon. To finish this act we had excerpts from Oliver with Brian Clark as an excellent Fagin and two of Nancy's numbers well executed by Lorraine Sullivan and Wyn Tootell.
Finally, Act three and to start we had a sweet version of 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' from Grease sung by Sam Hilton. Then, one of the best selections of the evening from Les Misérables and a well-performed 'Master Of the House' starring Joanne Cunliffe and Andrew Swindley followed by a lovely rendition of 'Bring Him Home' by Andrew Sullivan. We then moved to 42nd Street and three young dancers mimed well 'We're In the Money' Bring it all up-to-date with a 90s selection and penultimate number which stated with two good Irish dancers doing Riverdance and ending with the men of the society attempting to do the same thing - and very fetching they looked!
The dancing in this show was of a high order and this all came to a head with 'One' from A Chorus Line. This was an entertaining show.
CHARLIE GIRL
Rainhill AOS
Directed and choreographed by Erika Chase
Musical director: Jill Hyde.
Not the best storyline for a musical but this society, with difficult staging, did its best with the limitations placed upon them. I was pleased with the pit which is now in place and helped to set the scene - pity about the comings-and-goings from the hall during the show which must have unsettled the actors as well as those seated near the door.
This was a well costumed show which demanded several changes of costume. The leading lady Charlie, played by Jenny Hawley sang well but was too clean in the opening. Her sisters were Fiona (Bet Davies) and Penelope played with style by Libby Hardman. Gareth Lowe as Joe commanded attention and gave a sustained performance. Both Lady Hadwell (Rosie Shepton) and Kay (Marjorie Davies) acquitted themselves well. Wainwright was played quietly by Paul Davies. Jack Connor was brought to life by John Avery. This was, without doubt the best thing I have seen John do - and his singing was a joy.
May I also congratulate John on receiving his long service medal along with Ian Case and Alison Donaldson. It was a pleasure to present them.
4TH ANNIVERSARY OPERA SUPPER AND CONCERT
Una Voce
Musical Director: Paul Goulden
Opera is an art form that despite often ludicrous plots can, by the sublimity of its music , raise the emotions to their highest peak. To many however it is considered too highbrow to prove attractive so that the problems surrounding amateur groups entering the field are even greater than those experienced by the musical societies in getting the essential " bums on seats" . Una Voce in promoting their art gave an enjoyable concert with an excellent interval supper which was well supported and would have been a persuasive reminder of the pleasures of opera. The programme featured an eclectic selection from the repertoire, most well known but with several more unusual numbers. Throughout it all we were guided by the compere, Peter McColgan.
With eleven soloists plus the ensemble it is not possible to mention all though in this case the men rather shaded the evening . Nick Hardy in particular stole the honours with his fine tenor and ringing tones, shown to great advantage in his three numbers but particularly in the vocal pyrotechnics of " Pour mon ame " from Daughter of the Regiment. Another to impress was Tayo Aluko with excellent control in an aria by Gluck and a deeply felt " Eri Tu .. " from Verdi's Masked Ball. Ian Dunning made several telling contributions. Rachel Ashton with " Vissi d'arte " from Tosca and Maria Caravanas with an aria from Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots were others to impress. A welcome injection of humour was provided by Rossini's " Cat Duet ", nicely staged and sung by Clare Hyams and Pauline Barry. The ensemble made a telling contribution in " Italian Salad" and the moving rendition of " Va Pensiero" from Nabucco to end the evening and as a memorial to one of their Founder Members.
Of course opera makes great demands on the voices and not all the soloists
given their opportunity in the evening could fully match up to these demands
but all sang with conviction and enthusiasm giving great hope for the future
success of the group. One looks forward to their next production of "La Belle
Helene", Offenbach's vastly amusing operetta.
(Gordon Hall)