September 2001 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
CABARET
Adlington Music and Arts Society
Director: Marilyn Branwood-Spencer
Musical Director: Brian Lawson
Choreographer: Gillian Pilkington
This musical based on a play I am a Camera which although written by John Van Druten had its characters taken from Christopher Isherwood's best seller Berlin Stories which depict the decadent years leading up to the rise of the Third Reich. A love story that goes wrong just like the lives of the people and in the end the dream becomes a nightmare.
A difficult show to stage as it was intended, with a small group of musicians on stage. This would have given them no acting area, but the way it was done did work in the main and as usual the scenic work was very good. In this show choreography comes into its own and was very well executed, I particularly enjoyed "Two Ladies".
We had two lovely cameos by Barry Ashworth as Herr Schultz and Gill Brown as his landlady. Diane Simmons made the most of the part of Fraulein Kost and Ernst Ludwig as the friend with the wrong politics came across very well. Although the standard of performance throughout the cast was good, Chris Higson was just right for the part of Cliff and did it justice. Philip May gave his usual excellent portrayal this time of the Emcee and finally Joy Plowes got across many of the faces of the very complex character of Sally Bowles.
This show was well sung, well danced and well acted, a smashing evening - thank you to all concerned.
MACK AND MABEL
Birkdale Orpheus Society
Director: David Charters
Musical Director: Dave Matthews
Choreographer: Karen Edge
This was the first time I have seen this show and I can't wait to see it again. The music everyone knows but what a good show, could be it was just this society did such a smashing job of it, which they did. It was a very enjoyable production, the choreography was good and the set and its complications were overcome and we had a good orchestra. I also liked the costumes for the show.
From the unveiling of the pianist played by Ella Dring to the final words of Mack's the pace was strong and it had plenty of attack.
Ron Bridson's portrayal of Mack was the best role I have seen this actor do. Lottie was played with class by Mandy Evans and Frank was extremely good and this young man should do well in his chosen profession. Amateur theatre's loss. Kleiman and Fox, alias Ken Nicholson and Terry Durrance, made a good duo as the two producers, as did Eric Wilbraham who played the nasty W.D.Taylor, who took Mabel away from Mack and supplied her habit.
I have mentioned the contribution of Mack, but as good as his performance was there were two others that deserve to be congratulated. Firstly, Paul Edge as Fatty, a super characterisation, which the audience really warmed to, and secondly the leading lady Mabel. This performance by Jackie Morris was something else. This young lady just gets better. She gave off a spark that came across the footlights and truly did justice to the role. She kept us spellbound.
This was the first night, so you lucky people who saw this production when it got into its stride. Well done and thank you.
THE MERRY WIDOW
Birkenhead Operatic Sosiety Trust
Director: Elsie Kelly
Musical Director: Benjamin Wallfisch
Choreographer: Jimmy Webster
This was a lavish prodution in keeping with the wonderful theatre that is the Empire. The stage pictures and the choreography were extremely good and the scenes changed with clockwork precision, together with a very good orchestra in the pit, what more could one ask?
As for the singing this was of a high calibre no more so than from Danilo played by Mike Carroll and his leading lady Meryl Langford who played Anna, both gave us mature performances. Baron Zeta was played to the hilt by Gordon Hall and we had a very amusing Njegus portrayed by Jamie Lester. Jason Collinson and Ian Lloyd played Cascada and St. Brioche well but I was not sure about their accents.
The supporting cast all played their parts well but for me the two outstanding performances were that of Tia Chang who was enchanting as Valencienne and her lover Camille (Nick Hardy) and how well they both sang their solos.
Finally I cannot end without congratulating the beautiful Grisettes and the dancers who put the final touch to a wonderful evening of theatre in Liverpool.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Una Voce
Within the beautiful interior of the Adelphi Hotel Una Voce performed a concert for the Liverpool Opera Circle. With the excellent guest accompanist Gavin Meredith, Musical Director Paul Goulding and compere for the afternoon Mr. Peter MacColgan.
This was a long programme and if there was any criticism it would be the length of the concert, as for the content we had some wonderful singing from an ensemble of some 20-plus with the youngest aged 10 to the more mature performer.
Two young ladies, Danielle Thomas and Grace McNamara, sang extremely well and although tender in years showed enough to see they have a future if they persevere. The other principals sang a varied selection from Monteverdi, Handel, and Pergolesi to Rossini, Puccini, Offenbach, and Nabucco up to present day with a mother and son rendering of 'Pie Jesu' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem - well done by Lesley Smith and her son Michael. Each of the soloists performed more than one so I have mentioned what for me were the highlights.
Denis Doggett gave us 'Vesti la giubba' from I Pagliacci and 'Nessun Dorma' but sung with a powerful tenor voice. Geoff Eliason's bass voice was as good as ever and Maria Caravana's rendition of a piece by Monteverdi was extremely well sung. Solos by Clare Hyames, Philippa Hipwell and Michelle Forgarty were all well received. But before finishing with 'Va Pansiero' from Nabucco sung by the Ensemble, we were treated to a superbly sung 'Flower Duet' from Clare Hyams and Lesley Smith.
May I wish them all the best for their forthcoming production of La Belle Hélène.
OLIVER!
St Ambrose Players, Leyland
The production of this ever popular musical was in the hands of a new producer Lee Thompson who proved to be very capable indeed. The show had an engaging Oliver in the shape of Bryn Thompson who managed to sustain the role throughout and sang quite expressively.
George Birkin was very good as Mr Bumble, creating a well rounded character and was suitably matched by Tricia Conner who made a strong, strident Widow Corney.
The central role of Fagin was played by John Sangster. The performance showed much promise, was vocally up to the mark but lacked a little of the body language so essential for the character. He was not helped with his costume - black always helps to convey the sinister element.
Andrew Gray, taking a major part for the first time, displayed a fine line in villany as the menacing Bill Sykes despite a temporary memory lapse. Also good to see reactions from the chorus who really looked afraid of him. Hilary Cookson was a striking Nancy capturing both elements of the character and singing very well.
Steve Barnes was a suitably melancholic Mr Sowerberry who was well supported by Gillian Singleton (Mrs Sowerberry), Nick Gittens (Noah Claypole) and Haley Gittins (Charlotte). A more unsavory quartet one could not wish to meet.
Smaller parts were also well catered for with Anna Henderson (Bet), Colin Woods (Dr Grimwig), David White (Mr Brownlow) and Kath Green (Mrs Bedwin). Full marks, too, for the well disciplined barefoot workhouse children/Fagin's gang who, for once, were suitably scruffy.
The Artful Dodger, played by Andrew Taylor, being appreciably taller than the rest of the children, looked a little out of place and never quite got under the skin of the part.
A small orchestra under the direction of Sean Ashcroft contributed well to the overall picture and the set, which was cleverly designed and manipulated, kept the show moving.
This was a nice lively show which involved plenty of young people who I
trust will retain an interest in the theatre.
(Glyn Neary)
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
Southport Operatic New Generation
Director: Richard Cottier
Musical Director: Paul Williams
I am one of those people who can remember with affection the original version of this Mary Bell novel when it was placed on film in the early '60s. The musical version, true to the location of the film, but with the ending of its much loved well known namesake gave us the best of both.
With over 30 children in the cast it was wonderful to see the commitment and talent that is already showing itself. Aimie Disley sang the Angels song as Elizabeth just one of the children of the town, but such a lovely voice. The weight of the action is down to the three Bostock children and all three did very well. Cathy Bostock played by Liz Rushton, Nan by Kirsty Tattler and Andrew Mackley who played Charles with just the right delivery, this was a smashing little characterisation and I'm sure we will see more of him in the future.
We had further good performances from both Kirk and Hayley Morris as Dad and Auntie, plus a nice cameo from Miss Lodge played by Natalie Jackson.
Anyone who has seen any production of this show knows that the focal point is the part of "The Man" and Andrew Thwaite did the hardest thing which is to perform with children and not be upstaged. This is the third performance I have seen with this young man in the lead role and I have yet to be disappointed with any of his portrayals, all different, all well conceived and excecuted.
My congratulations to him and to the whole cast for an entertaining evening.
P.S. Well done back stage - good set and effects.
OUR DAY OUT
Chorley AODS
Directors: Brainne Edge & Andrew Swindley
Musical Director: Judith Holt
Choreography: Katie Griffiths
This was a joint production between the youth and the adult society and aren't they fortunate to have so many young people who want to be involved in theatre? The youth are the societies of tomorrow and encouragement of the youth means an investment in the continuation of this hobby we love. I know I've said it before but I make no apologies for repeating the fact.
The production was well conceived and excecuted and there were some lovely characterisations and not just from the adults on stage. All the children were totally involved with the action but, I have to mention the following as they made the night for me. The two bored girls, Joanne Callander and Rachel Wearing, were super, Carol (Francesca Nicholson) was played with sensitivity and she sang her song well. For the boys, both the bully and bullied performed well but I was impressed with the performance of Jo Hessey who played the part of Linda. Zoe Duffin continues to impress as the teacher "with no hair" and Barry Callender was up to his usual standard with his amusing portrayal of Les.
The two roles which stood out in this show and for opposite reasons were those of John Griffin as the nasty Mr Briggs, who definitely would never need a microphone, he gave a polished performance. And from the loud to the quiet teacher who never lost the caring character she portrayed, we never had a teacher like her unfortunately. Barbara Wolfe's was a joy.
Thank-you for this was a truly enjoyable evening.
THE BOYFRIEND
Chorley Little Theatre
Director: Wyn Tootell
Musical Director: Frank Fielding
Choreography: Lorraine Sullivan
This was a case of 'The show must go on'. The director and actress, Wyn Tootell, had a heart attack on the morning of the fourth night. As she was playing the role of Madame Dubonnet and the show had three more nights to run, the prompt, Bobbie Day read in. She acted and moved well to boot. The show did go on and with great effect. Wyn can be very proud of her young cast, as I'm sure they are of her.
We had lovely cameos by Lorraine Sullivan as Masie, Zoe Duffin as Dulcie and Brainne Edge as Fay. The performance of Cassandra Moon, who played Polly, was one of the best I have ever seen and Robin Armstrong's Tony was the best thing I have seen this young man do. Well done both of them.
Oliver Franklin was an exuberant Bobby Van Hussen and I particulary enjoyed the part of Lord Brockhurst played by Andrew Swindley.
The choreography was well thought out on stage, which had to be extended for this production. May I add that I hope by the time Wyn reads this, she is well on the road to recovery.
A charming production of a show that never ceases to entertain. Thank you.
OKLAHOMA!
Hindley & Wigan AOS
Producer: John Connell
Musical Director: Joan Bond
Choreogragher: Jayne Quinlan
Sadly this could be the last show at the Linacre Theatre, Wigan, sad not because it was a wonderful venue, but because it was the only venue in the centre of the borough. Hopefully the local authorities will do somthing about it sooner or later.
The staging of this production was well conceived and it worked well, and so did the choreography with Jayne and her girls keeping the high standard they have always had. For the first time they had an assistant Producer in the form of Gemma Reid and I hope she took the opportunity to learn from the experienced John Conell.
The main parts were played by David Traynor as Curly who in the attempt to do an American accent lost some clarity in his speech, but his songs came over well. Laurey was performed by Debbie Mulligan, this was a lovely portrayal and so was that of Ado Annie, Alyson Wilson who extracted every bit of humour from the part and worked well with her admirer Ali Hakim. This was a totally professional performance by Tony Kelly whose timing was excellent.
We had workmanlike performances from John Clinton who was Jud Fry and Alan Parry who played Andrew Carnes. But one of the best performances of the evening was that of Jayne Gaskell who danced the part of Laurey in the Dream Ballet superbly only surpassed by the enchanting character portrayal of Aunt Eller by Christine Armstrong.
In all a very enjoyable evening: my thanks to all concerned.
ON BROADWAY
Knowsley Music Theatre
Directed and choreographed by Steve Titchmarsh and Claire Morris
This production was well conceived by the talented duo named above and well executed by the talented youngsters who form the music theatre. We had numbers from musicals not normally seen as well as some old favorites.
All 25 members of the cast did all that was expected of them, but it would be remiss of me if I did not mention some of the soloists who excelled. For the men Paul Cullen in "One Song Glory" and Darren Dolphin in "Today 4U Both" from Rent and also both of their performances in The Full Monty numbers.
On the ladies side, Charlotte Tran's vivacious presentation of her Rent number also numbers from Lesley White, Angela Harrison and then the dancing of Natalie Skillicorn.
The rest of the chorus made it a very enjoyable evening and not forgetting two wonderful numbers from the voice of the lovley Linda Talbot and especially "Dance 10, Looks 3" from A Chorus Line.
A special mention for Penny Caffrey who choreographed the Saturday Night Fever section - very well done, the boys and girls certainly responded and the result was more than acceptable to the capacity audience. My thanks to all concerned.
HELLO, HOLLYWOOD
Maghull A.O.S
Director: Betty Hall
Choreographer: Jacqui Brown
Musical Director: Paul Goulden
Colin's holiday meant a first visit for me to the delightful Southport Little Theatre and to enjoy the hospitality of Maghull. How fortunate the local societies are to have this excellent venue for their activities. A well designed gauze and evocative set gave promise of a good evening to come and this promise was lived up to.
This was no succession of numbers from the movies, pleasant though this can be; but a well written and fully integrated revue by Betty Hall and Dave Cox tracing in words and music the history of the cinema from the 1920s to the 1980s.
After all an opening with nine Charlie Chaplins (of assorted shapes and sizes) does put you in the mood for an enjoyable time! The evening provided an opportunity for what seemed like every member of the society to have something to do and soloists, chorus, dancers, children and narrators combined seemlessly. In particular the involvement of the children added to the 'ooh' and 'ahh' factors of the evening.
If I have a slight criticism, and this is very much a personal and minimal complaint, at times too much was going on stage so that the essential nature of the number was overwhelmed. Incidentally 'All That Jazz' is not yet Hollywood material but it was very enjoyable for all that!
Neil Townsend's set and the imaginative lighting and use of back projection of movie slides added to the overall enjoyment and the enthusiasm of all concerned communicated to the good sized audience.
Paul Goulden marshalled his small instrumental forces effectively, contributing
much to the success of the evening.
(Gordon Hall)
GUYS AND DOLLS
Ormskirk AODS
Producer: Adrian Roberts
Musical Director: Steve Lockwood
Choreographer: Jo Hambly
This was an entertaining show and a valiant try for a first production, but unfortunately lacked pace, attack and animation with certain exceptions. First of all it is very difficult to do this show without men, and I assume that is why the producer was also on stage from time to time, but I can understand the necessity.
Having said that we did have many enjoyable moments, the Hotbox girls were a lovely set of young ladies who gave us two good numbers, the leader of which showed the attack and animation which was lacking in other parts, in fact Helen Roberts played Miss Adelaide with panache and confidence that grew as the show progressed.
Ian Lockhart, Steve Willetts and Kevin Bridge played Benny, Nicely Nicely and Harry the Horse each gave his own individual interpretation. What was unusual was the amount of noise coming from back stage, not what I have grown to expect from this experienced crew.
Martin Parry's performance as Nathan was the best I have seen from this young man and the lovely Janine Burrows made a good stab at Sarah Brown. There was some extremely good singing from Andrew Thwaite as the gambling Sky Masterson. A nice cameo by Mark Duffy as the Irish cop Brannigan.
As I said earlier I was surprised with the shortage of men and hope that the society can turn this round and wish them well in the future, thank you all for an entertaining evening.
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Southport AOS
Director: Stephen Hughes-Alty
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
Choreographer: Pamela Bamber
Irving Berlin's songs come one after another in this musical which on the face of it hasn't much plot but Berlin's music saves it. We had a good orchestra and a superb Annie to boot.
The voice of Niki Kitis alone was worth the journey. This young lady had wonderful stage presence and the show lifted each time she appeared. Andrew Solman gave Frank his best shot, and we also had strong performances from Anna Dunnett who played Dolly, and Tom Hornby who did a good job with the role of Charlie.
The children were adorable and all four should be congratulated. Well done to Jo Howarth, Laura Gorse, Stephanie Rawson and not forgetting "Little Jake" Henry Birch. Don Sewell as Buffalo Bill, took his part well as did Pawnee Bill played by Terry Durance. Thomas Davitt, who played the hotel owner, lost audibility to get the character and I was not sure about the beard.
Finally apart from Annie's outstanding performance, we had one other who stood out from the rest and that was Eric Rimmer's portrayal of Sitting Bull, this was the best thing I have seen him do to date. Although the society is to lose Niki as she is going to college, she has left the audiences and I with a lasting memory of a wonderful Annie, which will stay with me for some time to come.
Thank you to all the supporting cast and the society for a very enjoyable evening.