January 2001 - Region 11 - Edith Yates
THE PAJAMA GAME
Kendal AOS
Despite all the set-backs that this society encountered during rehearsals for the production, it finished up with a successful show. Andrew Sproxton must be congratulated on his singing of Sid Sorokin's songs when Kenny Smythe could not sing at dress rehearsal. Kenny acted the part well with Andrew singing from the band pit. Alison Hine was just superb as Babe Williams, a natural actress with lovely singing.
The show was full of pace and a very well drilled chorus. Bryan Wood played Hines - the time-study man - and certainly got everything from this part, and coupled with Fiona McGhie as Mabel, they worked well together especially "I'll Never Be Jealous Again". Prez was in the capable hands of Paul Atkinson and coupled with Karen Simpson as Gladys they made a good duo. Dancing was certainly up to the usual high standard, but special mention must be made of the "Steam Heat" number - it was quite out of this world.
All smaller parts had been well cast and thanks to Joyce Warrington for her usual good production.
OLIVER!
Ulverston AOS
The scenery was excellent and full marks must go to the stage crew for the way it was handled, keeping up the continuity.
The workhouse children were very well schooled, good singing, with lots of enthusiasm. Daniel Serra was a loveable Oliver and coupled with Ben Caldwell as Dodger they worked very well together. An excellent portrayal of Fagin was played by Steve Freeland. The horrible character of Bill Sykes was superbly played by Russ Palmer. I didn't even miss his dog. Mr. Bumble had been well cast with Keith Harrison and with Sue Little as Widow Corney they were an excellent pair. Bill Springthorpe was a lovely character as Mr. Sowerberry and Lindsey Jackson completed the couple as Mrs. Sowerberry. Nancy was well played by Nicola Simpson with lovely singing especially "As Long As He Needs Me. Gary Upton made a good Noah Claypole with strong acting and Helen Ramsey had been well cast as Charlotte. Good singing came from Stella Hervey (Rose Seller) Tracy Bird (Milk maid) Rachael Marsden (Strawberry seller) and Bob Beacock (Knife grinder).
All smaller parts had been well cast. A well balanced orchestra under Doreen Dunlop, and a good production for Brenda Sweeting, with good dancing, authentic costumes, all added up to a good evening's entertainment.
MACK & MABEL
Walney AOS
The title role of Mack Sennett was brilliantly played by David Marcus - his professionalism certainly came through with immaculate timing. A superb performance came from Julie Lloyd as Mabel Normand, with characterisation and lots of feeling. One of the highlights of the show was the Keystone Cops. "Hit 'Em On the Head" sung by Bill Calvert (Kleiman) and Craig Brown (Fox) together with Mack was a great success. The dancers worked well and their number "Tap Your Troubles Away" with Lottie played by Kay Charnley was excellent.
Everyone had been well cast and the costumes were great. The silent movie scenes were well produced.
A very touching finale was given when Mabel dies. Mack's feelings could be felt in the audience. Overall a very good production and David Marcus must be congratulated along with Peter Dyer for his musical direction.
PETER PAN
Walney Junior AOS.
Clare Rigg must be very pleased with this production - no one on stage over 18 years old, and believe me, some of them could teach adults a thing or two. Paul Bryden kept a small orchestra under control, and this enabled all the children to be heard.
Rachael Jackson as Peter Pan gave a very confident performance as also did Ailsa McIntosh as Wendy. The Darling family had been well cast and all worked well. The nasty Captain Cook was in the capable hands of Paul Jones. Clever lighting was used for Tinker Bell. Nan the dog was well done by Gemma Gerrish, along with the crocodile played by Bethan Oakes. Both Gemma and Bethan had a busy time playing with the Pirates and the Indians.
Too many children to give them all a mention, but all had been well cast as Lost Boys, Pirates and Indians.
The choreographer, Saxon Winship had worked well with the dancers giving some delightful routines.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
Heysham Parish OS.
Pirates is a popular G & S work and this society did it proud with all the necessary enthusiasm. Ian Birnie must have been well pleased with the end result, and it is good to see Ian back in the fold.
Good costumes and clever movement all added up to a good production.
Kath Gardner made a pleasing Mabel together with Peter Thompson as Frederic with delightful singing. Well played principal roles of Major General (John Atkinson) and Pirate King (Lee Devlin) had been well cast. The beautiful singing voice of Janet Thompson added up to a good interpretation of Ruth. Edith (Avril Haydock), Kate (Jenny Gardner) and Isabel (Rachel Schofield) all sang well and added good characters.
WAR AND PEAS.
Pilling Drama Group.
This was evening of two one-act plays with pie and peas in the interval. The first play Line of Descent was produced by Jenny Blyth and was set in a German Barn in 1944. The players were Jean Jackson, Christine Davies, Dyan Murray, Linda May and John Savage. Jenny brought the best out of her cast and certainly passed on her talent. The second play Festival Rights was produced by Maureen O'Reilly with a good cast of Jim Wood, Jean Curwen, Jenny Blyth, John Savage, Linda Green ad Yvonne Clavin. All gave good all-round performances. This group is very enthusiastic and really deserves larger audiences.
SAND CASTLES.
Grange ADS.
This was the BT Biennial 2000 production which was performed by 83 societies at the same time on the same night. Sand Castles is set in a seaside resort in the North of England, and the set was 3 beach huts. The set had been cleverly constructed and the costumes were quite authentic together with the props. John McDonagh must have been very pleased with the whole production because everyone played their parts to the full.
The cast is too numerous to mention individually - all different characters, but one person that must be mentioned is Marian Gill playing Mrs Billet. What a character, with perfect timing. I am sure the cast will understand my comments. I understand for several members it was the first time on stage - this did not come over to the audience - everyone was so professional. Well done Grange.
THE GONDOLIERS.
Staveley AOS.
This particular G & S must have good pace for the opening and Staveley certainly gave it all that was required. An imposing performance came from Geoff Hitchen as Don Alhambra. Alan Boyes played a very grand Duke of Plaza Toro and coupled with Pam Morrow as the aristocratic Duchess of Plaza Toro, they worked exceptionally well together. Terry Sykes (Luiz) and Lynda Read (Casilda) made another good couple with excellent singing. The Gondoliers, Guiseppe (Nick Birbeck) and Marco (David Towers), played and sang exceptionally well, coupled with their brides Tessa (Catharine Perrin) and Gianetto )Angela Dixon).
Altogether good singing from all principals, and chorus alike. The chorus had some lovely moves and the whole show went very smoothly. Lovely scenery painted by Dawn Chandler. A good orchestra under Doreen Dunlop's baton, who was also responsible for the whole production.