January 2002 - Region 11 - Edith Yates
42ND STREET
Walney Amateur Operatic Society
This was a fantastic fast moving tap dancing show and choreographers Deborah Brown and Graham Barker must be congratulated - it was excellent.
David Marcus, the artistic director, and also playing Julian Marsh, was well suited to the part, playing very confidently.
Once again Julie Lloyd was excellent as Dorothy Brock, and Karen Shaw was delightful as the 'hopeful' Peggy Sawyer. Most was made of the shadow waltz with the clever lighting.
The perfect part for Graham Barker was the dance
director Andy Lee - well done. The right inclination was given to Anytime Annie played by Kay Charnley. Wayne Buckley played a good juvenile Billy Lawlor.
All principals had been well cast. The costumes were excellent and very good scenery. Peter Dyer led a good orchestra. David must be pleased with the end result.
BARNUM
Kendal Amateur Operatic Society
Despite all the technical problems encountered by this society only 24 hours before opening night - nothing spoiled the performances.
The circus atmosphere met you outside the theatre with very clever stilt walkers, and prior to the opening number - lots of circus activities took place giving a good atmosphere.
Simon Kay gave a first class performance as Barnum, who walked the tightrope with every confidence. Lovely singing and and good acting gave him the perfect character.
Vanessa Whittle gave a creditable performance as Chairy Barnum, again with good singing.
Kerry Hartin gave an excellent characterisation of the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth, bringing out all the necessary comedy.
Vanessa Andrew was very good as Jenny Lind and exceptional singing came from Krystal Clark the Blues singer. Andy Whittle made a good Ring Master and worked very hard.
All the entrances and exits were good and the timing was excellent. Acrobats were good and the clowns' make-up was exceptional.
Smaller parts were all well cast and together with a very good chorus, lovely costumes and good props all added up to a wonderful night's entertainment.
The small orchestra was led by Andrew Sproxton and Joyce Warrington must be congratulated on her determination for perfection.
BUGSY MALONE
Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society
This was an excellent production with no-one on stage over 16 years.
The 'Splurge' girl singers, Hannah Cleasby, Rachael Jackson, Amy Larcombe and Holly Rupar, excelled with their singing. They could certainly do justice to any adult production. A superb performance came from Paul Jones as Bugsy.
Special mention must be made of Paul Williamson playing Fizzy - what a voice - he was wonderful. Great enthusiasm was shown in all parts, Blousey Brown was perfectly played by Ailsa McIntosh and another perfect character was Tallulah played by Laura Stagg.
Jack Hawitt shone as Fat Sam and David Barnett captured the character of Capt. Smolsky. Menacing Dandy Dan's gang and Fat Sam's gang together with the Speakeasy Girls had all been well cast.
Lots of enthusiasm came from the chorus and the dancers which had been well choreographed by Graham Barker.
Ian Bird led a good orchestra and very effective lighting was produced by Gordon Grayston. Claire Rigg had done an excellent job as artistic director with lots of hard work.
H.M.S. PINAFORE & COX AND BOX
Heysham Parish Operatic Society
COX & BOX
The evening opened with the short performance of Cox and Box. Just three males, all with good singing and acting.
Cox was in the capable hands of Argo Ashton, Box was played by Ian Entwisle and David Heaton completed the trio playing Sergeant Bouncer.
The production was quite fast moving with good entrances and exits. Good costumes and set, and this production was well produced by Alan Thompson and no doubt some fun was had during rehearsals.
H.M.S. PINAFORE
Argo Ashton also scored as Sir Joseph Porter in this production. The star of the show, for me, was Ian Birnie, playing Dick Deadeye. His characterisation was very good and he never once let his character slip. Another good little character was Matthew Liptrott playing Tom Tucker- his stage presence was great and his timing was exceptional with every move. Peter Thompson gave a creditable performance as Ralph Rackstraw. The Captain was in command of his crew, this was played by John Atkinson. Little Buttercup was in the capable hands of Marlene Haydock. Josephine was brilliantly sung by Kath Gardner who was a lovely character with lots of feeling. Well played was Hebe by Avril Haydock.
A very strong chorus of sisters, cousins and aunts with good groupings and movements, well produced by Janet Thompson.
Good set design and a good orchestra under the baton of Tony Drummond, all added up to a pleasant evening.
PUSS IN BOOTS
Garstang Theatre Group
It's Panto time again. Oh yes it is! And a great time was had by all who attended the group's production of Puss In Boots. Plenty of jokes, songs and laughter made this a splendid evening for all the family.
In the title role, Sarah Dobson (12 years old) made a lasting impression, such talent and confidence, so at home on stage. Not to be outdone, Dad (Steve Dobson), also appeared as the imposing punk come gothic 'Blackleather', the baddie. A very menacing chap. Again another family member, Mum (Kath Dobson), as the Magic Cobbler, was to hand. She gave a very natural performance. I do belive there was another family member in the chorus, so 'Hello' Emma Dobson.
Max and Glen Miller provided good comedy and worked well together. Their other brother Arthur (Louise Bartlett) turned in a solid perfomance.
Throw in a King (George Richardson, who stepped into the role with only three weeks' notice - and this was his first time doing theatre!), a Queen (Ruth Hilson) and a Princess (Victoria Preston) and, well what a good Panto. With plenty of good support from villagers, spookes and rabbits (Ahhhh factor award must go to Gemma Ashton) the audience was lapping it up.
Sets were good, and homemade, well done to Tony Yates and his team. They were complimented by good lighting, costumes and props.
The production was produced and choreographed by Avril Bevan and the musicians played well.
I have only one negative remark, at times I had trouble hearing the singing
above the band, But that said, a fab night. Many thanks to all.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Staveley Amateur Operatic Society
This production had been very well cast. Good diction came from Pam Morrow playing Ruth with beautiful singing. Lots of high notes were reached and again good singing came from Lynda Read playing Mabel. David Towers made a dashing Frederic.
Excellently played Major General was in the capable hands of Terry Sykes. Lots of energy was used by Nick Birkbeck playing the Pirate king. All principals gave their best.
The good chorus with lovely groupings and colourful costumes with Doreen Dunlop responsible who also led a good orchestra. This was a good evening's entertainment.
The principals had been well coached by Clarry Dunlop, who was also responsible for the good set design.
ME AND MY GIRL
Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society
You would never believe this show opened to poor reviews in 1937 - how things change, with numbers like the popular 'Lambeth walk' and 'The Sun has got his hat on' - how can it fail.
Experienced Martin Craig gave an excellent interpretation of Bill Snibson, even better then the first time I saw him in this role.
Katherine Smith had a lovely singing voice but the characterisation of Sally Smith was lost somewhere along the line - not enough 'oomph'.
Dorothy Pass made a good Duchess and together with Bill Springthorpe playing Sir John Tremayne, they made a good couple and played very well together.
The family solicitor, Herbet Parchester, was very well played in the capable hands of Russ Palmer. Another good character was Sir Joseph Tring played by Ken Hindle.
The necessary comedy came from Lindsey Jackson playing Lady Jaqueline who returns to her first love Gerald played by Gary Upton.
Steve Low and Nicky Simpson carried off the characters of Lord and Lady Battersby with the necessary decorum.
Too many characters to mention everyone, except to say all had been well cast.
The four dancers were excellent. Good scenery and costumes all added up to a good production with a good orchestra under the baton of Doreen Dunlop.