January 2002
Region 9 - Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
CAROUSEL
New Mills & District AO&DS
Director: Dianne Aspinall
Choreographer: Beverley Brooks
Musical Director: David Chapman
Carousel is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's great musicals with a wonderful story and lyrics. The opening of this performance was good and quickly established the main characters.
Victoria James as Julie was strong and sincere throughout, and her musical numbers were performed with clarity. Unfortunately, I felt that Anthony Lambe as Billy lacked some of the softer and sincere side to his character especially during the soliloquy. Kim Riley as Carrie was charming and funny and worked well with Sean Stennings (Mr Snow). 'You'll Never Walk Alone' is probably the most famous song in this show and we were not disappointed when Sheena McInnes as Nettie performed it.
The chorus work was some of the best that I have seen by this company, it was strong and they worked well together, as did the Snow children who kept their own little characters throughout.
I did feel that the choreography lacked pace and could have been stronger, especially in the dream ballet. The set was striking and together with the revolving stage worked very well.
This was a very enjoyable evening.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Buxton Drama League
Producer: Gerard Carawshaw
One of J.B Priestley's excellent plays with the inevitable twist at the end of the tale and played in what must be one of the most beautiful theatres in this area, the Buxton Opera House.
This theatre has recently been renovated to its former glory and as you look around you can only admire the splendour of the gilt and picture work that has been restored.
The play opened on a standing set which had been designed and constructed by members of the company. In itself the set was good and worked well, but I felt there was a miss-match of furniture which was a shame.
Mrs Birling played by Brenda Bryant and the Inspector played by Simon Brister were both convincing in their roles.
However, I did feel that some of the other characters took time to establish themselves and were not quite as convincing as they might have been in Acts 1 & 2. They did improve in Act 3 when the pace picked up.
Both costumes and lighting were good and it was nice not to have to strain to hear the dialogue. A very interesting and enjoyable evening.
KISS ME KATE
Stockport Operatic Society
Producer: John Harrison
Choreographer: Shellie-Beth Sinclair
Musical Director: Claire Sweeney
This is one of Cole Porter's more complex shows, 'a show within a show' and one that audiences find difficult to follow. Certainly a challenge for any director to undertake, but John Harrison had no problems here and managed to get the storyline across without a problem.
Martin Roche is one of the best Petruchios I have ever seen; his understanding of this double character displayed his superb acting abilities together with his excellent singing and humour.
On first hearing Jill Taylor sing I wondered if she was going to be 'earthy' enough to pull off the part of Kate, but I need not have worried. Jill stood up to Petruchio both vocally and in her acting and made her character believable.
Julie Profitt also gave a strong performance as Bianca and teamed up well with all her suitors. I particularly enjoyed Brian Ganderton's portrayal as Baptista and the comedy partership of the gangsters played by Mark Turner and Ron Sugden whose rendition of 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare' had the audience wanting more.
Shellie-Beth's choreography was just right and I liked her humorous touch in the Tarantella.
The orchestra under the excellent direction of Claire Sweeney certainly put the pace into the show, and the chorus looked good and sang with enthusiasm.
I can honestly say that on stage there were no weak links, but I felt the sound at times was a little harsh.
A very strong production, well done to you all, it was a great evening.
OLIVER!
Our Lady's A.O.S.
Producer/Choreographer: Lynnden Pickford
Musical Director: Fr. Tony Dearman
A good opening to this show with the workhouse 'boys' being well drilled. I say boys but in fact they were all girls on the night I attened (there being 2 teams to cover alternate nights). Even Oliver was played by a girl, Charlotte Wickens, who gave quite a good performance.
Dodger, played by Chris Wilkinson, was enthusiastic and worked hard, but there were one or two occasions however when his accent travelled around a little but on the whole a good choice for this character.
Michael Dove (Fagin) was very convincing and really made this character believable, his mannerisms were good and he used his eyes throughout.
Mr & Mrs Sowerberry, Alan Shaw and Natalie Pisa, teamed up well together and looked convincing in their roles, but when Oliver is accused of stealing in the street scene, Mr Sowerberry should not be there as himself as it spoils the plot.
Nancy (Bernie McCracken) was far stronger in the first half of the show, and really should not have been wearing bright red nail varnish. William Mascarenhas was very menacing to look at as Bill Sykes.
The MD certainly had worked hard as the chorus singing was good and strong and I especially enjoyed 'Who Will Buy'.
The overall production could have been a little stronger if there had been more reaction from people on stage to what was going on in the plot. A well costumed show.
SCROOGE THE MUSICAL
Dukinfield Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society
Producer: Melvyn Bates
Choreographer: Jean Ashworth
Musical Director: Paul Firth
If any society is thinking of doing Scrooge, then think very carefully. This show can not only be very costly, need good scenery, a decent stage, an imaginative production team, but it is also very intricate, demanding and will require a leading man who has stamina and presence.
Howard Carter in the title role certainly gave us his all in this performance. From his physical appearance and excellent make-up he gave us an aggressive, empathetic and humourous insight into his character. Both his singing and acting were strong and believable and this was well matched with the younger portrayal of Ebenezer played by Philip Clegg.
Sarah Thewlis was very convincing as Isabel, as were the ghosts played by Bob Wood, Ann Atkins and Bill Owen.
It was lovely to see Martyn Preston back on stage once again after his recent illness, this time as Bob Cratchit, a part the suited him well, with Samantha Bates as Mrs Cratchit also giving a strong supporting performance. Liam Mills was excellent as Tiny Tim, never once coming 'out of character'.
Nigel Griffiths as Tom Jenkins sang and danced his way around the stage with ease and assurance whilst John Hankin and Rosemarie Wood teamed up well in their comedy parts.
The chorus showed strength and enthusiasm in all their work and Jean Ashworth's choreography was imaginative and well performed by both the chorus and dancers.
As I said at the beginning this is not an easy show and I felt the pace in the first half could have been picked up a little.
The scenery, props and lighting were excellent and full credit to the stage staff who certainly had their work cut out.
This was a very challenging show and one which the production team should be very proud of.
Thank you for your hospitality and I look forward to seeing you all again.
A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT
Hyde Light Opera Company
Producer & M.D.: Colin Ward
Choreographer: Shellie-Beth Sinclair
How many of you remember the 60s, dancing around your handbag, waiting to be chatted up and wondering if 'tonight would be the night?' Well this musical had it all. It certainly brought back memories to many of the audience both old and young and whilst a little risque in parts, had everyone chuckling out loud.
The production was handled with such good homour that you really couldn't take offence. There were only 15 members in the cast and each one gave a terrific performance.
Steve Mallinson as Eric 'Rubber Legs' De-Vene, sang and gyrated around the stage like a teenager, showing his experience with comedy timing.
Michael Ward and Delia Muir were well cast as the 'would be' youg lovers, whilst Simon Hardisty and Sherri Philips gave good strong performances both with their acting and singing.
Congratulations must also go to Vikki Ward who played Bridget and Gary Jones who played Eddie. Shellie-Beth's choreography was once again strong and in keeping with the era. Certainly this was a show where the audience had as much fun as the cast did performing - a great evening's entertainment.