May 2002 - Region 8 - David Parkes
MUSICAL DECADES
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Director: Sally Ann Fitzgerald
Musical Director: David Bradford
A century of song and dance presented, not in chronological order, but as the result of a manic scientist demonstrating his latest invention by which he was able to convey the cast and audience through time and space.
From 1910 to the present day it was entertainment all the way with routines and settings backed by lively music from a brilliant trio.
There was comedy in abundance and 'tributes' to many star performers in a production that was cleverly researched and performed.
The programme named the 31 cast plus the 7 children involved but as specific roles were not detailed I am unable to pay tribute to individual performances.
Sufficient to say that everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, can be proud of providing a superb evening's entertainment.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop
Musical Director: Heather Whyte
Choreographer: Donna Frame
Having performed all the regular choices of pantomimes in the 21 years they have been in existence, the Barnton VTW made a brave choice of an out-of-the-ordinary title for their 2002 production, but I felt that the quality of the script by Ron Hall did not do justice to the amount of effort put into the staging and performance.
Marion McBride (Queen Hypochondria), John Goodier (Baldrick) and Julia Rainford (Marina) worked extremely hard to bring out the comedy aspect with the villains Laura Sanderson (Ingrid) and Mike Kelsall (Archduke Boris) appearing in Munster like fashion to great effect.
Mike Kelsall doubled in the part of King Neptune with Sandra Perrin as Oceana in a lengthy underwater scene that was spectacularly presented but after a while the background effects detracted from the rather weak storyline being enacted in front of it.
The romantic element was provided by Julie Ackerley (Prince Stefan) and Catherine Vaughan in the title role of The Little Mermaid (Heidi) and cameo roles by Edna Taylor as Octavia (what a fine name for an octopus!) and Danny Sala as the Lord Chamberlain completed the principal line-up.
Heather Whyte directed the musical numbers at a lively pace with good backing from a tuneful combo.
Last minute production problems placed a burden on the shoulders of the youthful choreographer Donna Frame and she is to be congratulated on the liveliness she brought to the performance.
MY FAIR LADY
Centenary O & DS
Director: Neil Townsend
Musical Director: Jill Hyde
Chorus Mistress: Marion Massey
Choreographer: Betty Hall
Putting any musical on stage at the Parr Hall is an achievement but the limitations of this venue were again overcome magnificently by Centenary's Stage Manager Aaron Cawley and the construction team with a superb set.
Mark Murphy was Henry Higgins to a 'T', giving a dominating performance as good as I have seen on the amateur or professional stage. His diction - both spoken and sung - and his stagecraft could not be faulted.
Progressing from her previous performances as Calamity Jane and Tzeitel, Clare Asprey gave an endearing interpretation of the role of Eliza, and Walter Brown, making his stage debut with the Society, was a convincing Colonel Pickering.
Mike Hall obviously enjoyed the role of Alfred P. Doolittle and with his side-kicks Jamie (Joe Whitlow) and Harry (Trevor King) led the chorus in the traditional raucous interpretations of "With a Little Bit of Luck" and "Get me to the church on time".
The production was complemented by the performances of Jason Coman as the lovesick Freddy, Anita Warburton as the stately Mrs Higgins and Audrey Flint as the harassed housekeeper Mrs Pearce, together with the other minor principal characters which were all well cast and directed admirably by Neil Townsend.
The entire show moved at a cracking pace backed by a magnificent orchestra under the enthusiastic baton of Jill Hyde.
A fine production - well done everyone.
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
Cheshire Operatic & Dramatic Youth Set (CODYS)
Produced & Directed by Nick Cupit
Choreography: Claire Hennessey, Emma Rogers, Nick Cupit
& James Gibbons
Lib Coaching: Irene McGee
Opening with the solo Fame, the programme continued with a selection chosen from musicals with a western theme, followed by musical numbers from stage and screen. The entire production was accompanied by over-amplified backing tapes and disco style stage lighting which detracted from the performances of the CODYS youngsters. At times the vocalists had difficulty in pitching their efforts in tune due to the volume of the backing and the over-long programme assumed the semblance of a karaoke-cum-disco session.
Two solos were outstanding, 'Memory' (Cats) and 'Over the Rainbow' (Wizard of Oz) were beautifully sung by Joanne Bradley and Ria Kapur respectively.
Much hard work had been put into this production and undoubtedly there is much talent in the CODYS but whether this style of production is the best way of developing it is debatable.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Congleton Pantomime
Director: Brian Jefferson
Musical Director: Judith Hearson
Choreographer: Jean Clarke
How fortunate this specialist pantomime group is to have the services of Brian Jefferson who not only wrote the script and directed the production but also played Dame Trot in the true traditional style.
Making her debut as the principal boy Vicky Garbutt looked just right in the part of Jack. She had all the confidence of a seasoned performer and her scenes with Jill, admirably played by Vicky Bailey, were well directed and tuneful.
The comedy was carried along in fine manner by Gill Cardall (Smash), Chris Sheard (Grab), Sandra Copestick (Lucy Locket) and Howard Ball (Simple Simon) with Brian Ashby (Fleshcreep) and Reg Tolladay (Giant) providing the villainy - defeated as always by Fairy Sunbeam played by Allissa Bagguley.
No Performance of Jack and the Beanstalk would be complete without Daisy the Cow delightfully portrayed by Barbara Benson and Stephen Copestick, who I presume was the rear end!
Ensemble scenes were brightly performed by the chorus backed by a fine orchestra under the baton of Judith Hearson, and Jean Clarke's dancers and babes provided excellent routines, with an impressive highlight in the Cloudland Ballet.
The sets and scene changes were fine and the enthusiastic audience enjoyed traditional panto at its best. It is a pity that some of the TV Presenters and Soap Stars appearing in professional productions could not be present to learn how panto should really be performed.
THE MERRY WIDOW
Crewe AOS
Director/Choreographer: Audrey Rhodes
Musical Director: David Greatbanks
Assistant Choreographer: Sally Ann Rhodes-Leader
Franz Lehár's famous operetta was given a fine performance by the Crewe AOS led by Alyson Thacker as Anna and David Palmer as Danilo. Both brought great experience and magnificent vocal talent to the respective roles and their solos and duets were delightful.
Also in fine voice were Linda Race as Valencienne and Graham Wilks as Camille together with Tom Nixon bringing a fine sense of humour to the role of Zeta.
More humour was provided by Frank Millward as the down-trodden Njegus and the rivals for the hand of the widow, Cascada and St. Brioche, were well portrayed by Liam Carter and Arthur Rigby.
Other characters were well directed and a fine chorus added the finishing touch to an enjoyable production of this well known and well loved operetta.
Dance routines were lively and a good pace throughout was maintained by the orchestra under the baton of David Greatbanks.
The production was enhanced by the fine facilities of the Lyceum Theatre permitting the use of a grand set by Proscenium which could not be accommodated in smaller venues.
My wife joins me in thanking you for your welcome and kind hospitality on our first visit to your Society. We look forward to your future productions.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Frodsham Panto Group
Producer: Barbara Maddock
Musical Director: Andrew Lawless
Choreographer: Janis Anderson
A brand new pantomime script (*) written and produced by Barbara Maddock was given its premier performance by this talented specialist panto group. The story was unfolded by Rosemary Merry in the role of Clopin, the leader of the gypsies.
The main character, Quasimodo, was brilliantly portrayed by the youthful Mark Armor with Simon Crooks leaving his usual role as Dame to play the villainous Minister of Justice, Frollo.
The comedy aspect was provided by three gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral, Victor (Carol Crooks), Hugo (Ron Garvie) and Laverne (Pat Revell), with fine support from Graham Lees, making his panto dame debut as Grandma, and Sara McCraight as grand-daughter Meg.
No pantomime would be complete without the romantic element and this was brought to life by Joanne Dickinson as the gypsy girl Esmeralda and Gemma Lawless as Phoebus, the Palace Captain. Their solos and duets were performed in fine style.
The chorus and dance routines were brilliant with the Festival of Fools Parade being led by trumpeter Susan Withenshaw and the gypsy dancing led in authentic style by talented violinist Sara McCraight. The Act I finale was a beautifully performed ballet.
The whole production was complemented by superb sets, especially the Bell Tower scene, and lively musical accompaniment.
A fine evening's entertainment from a refreshing newly scripted pantomime which I would recommend to other interested societies.
• Details can be obtained from (Mrs) Barbara Maddock. Tel: 01928 731224.
WHEN DESTINY CALLS
GLR Productions
Director/MD: Paul Dawson
Co-Director: George Greenall
Choreographer: Lisa Hollinshead
Firstly it is a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to GLR Productions who have recently affiliated to NODA and to wish them well in their future productions. It was also a pleasure to be present on the opening night at the premier performance of When Destiny Calls written and directed by Paul Dawson.
A rare mixture of a play with musical numbers set in the '70s, the plot centred around the efforts of Frank French (Paul Dawson) to extricate himself from gambling debts owed to gangster Rick Marchant (George Greenall) by conning his young naïve sister Amy (Amanda Carr), to enter a disco dancing competition for the prize money.
The fact that she had trained in ballet, had never been to a disco and did not like pop music did not make the task any easier until Frank enlisted the services of a dancing teacher (Jon Dawson).
A further complication arose when the gangster's moll Denise Summers (Lorna Carrington) set her heart on winning the same dance competition.
Frank's long suffering wife Jan (Karen Masters) and Amy's equally naive boyfriend James (Simon King) completed the main cast in this most entertaining production which cleverly brought together a well drafted combination of pathos and comedy with musical numbers well performed by the characters Amy, Frank, Denise and James plus an innovative unaccompanied finale performed by the entire cast.
Quoting from the attractive programme "GLR Productions is a company whose aim it is to change people's perceptions about the theatrical experience. Their productions will vary in genre in order to make live performances more accessible to all members of the community and attract new attenders to the theatre. These will include: comedy, drama, musicals and pantomimes".
With a combination of dedicated, experienced writer/performers and youthful talent - and judging by the reception from a mixed audience on the opening night - GLR have made an excellent start to their aims.
Whilst the present staging facilities at the Rylands Memorial Hall in Warrington are not of the best the entire company is to be congratulated on a fine evening's entertainment. I look forward with interest to their future productions.
ALI BABA & THE FORTY THIEVES
Lowton Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: David Henderson
Musical Director: Craig Barlow
Choreographer: Jenny Horridge assisted by Cathie Davie
A lively chorus ensemble opened this NODA panto scripted by David Swan.
In the title role, Peter Den Kaat together with Steve Halton as the cook, Fatima Kebab, worked hard to bring out the comedy element, but the early scenes lacked the snappy pace essential to pantomime.
Angela Gregson (Rhum Baba) and Katya Greer (Polly Jones) provided the romantic element in fine style, with the villainy being supplied by Peter Longworth (Kasim Baba/El Scorpio) accompanied by a pair of bungling thieves, Susan Halton (Bubble) and Gareth Cooke (Squeak).
Act II opened with a delightful dance scene during which Maria Deehan (Crystal the Fortune Teller) was transformed into the good fairy-like Spirit of the Cave who ensured that goodness triumphed by restoring Professor Jones, played by Paul Gibson, to human form after he had been turned into a camel, ably played by Barrie Tonge and Paul Barlow.
The musical numbers moved at a good pace with backing from a lively combo led by MD Craig Barlow and the sets, designed and constructed by the Producer and society members, were excellent.
It was particularly pleasing to see members of the society's newly formed Youth Theatre Group, the STARS, making their stage debut and I look forward to seeing their future productions.
ALADDIN
Mid Cheshire AOS
Once more it's panto time again and the enthusiastic members of Mid Cheshire pulled out all the stops to provide a very good evening's entertainment-'Oh Yes They Did'.
There was a good mixture of youth and experience with the hilarious Widow Twankey (Bob Cleverly) and his son Wishee Washee, ideally played by Tom Frith and an excellent Abanazar played by Andy Jordan.
The pairing of Aladdin, played by Carly Sandbach, and Princess Jasmin, played by Laura Hobley, was perfect, as they both sang and played their parts exceptionally well.
Rachel Smith gave a good portrayal as the Slave of the Ring together with Wayne Storey as the Genie of the Lamp.
But a word of praise for Ruth Penny who played the part of Quackers in a costume that must have been very, very warm.
There was plenty of good fun and clean humour and provided by Bill Lare as Nana Nana and an outstanding performance of Chop Chop by young Christopher Hobley.
Congratulations to the production team for the excellent scenery and the
superb costumes all made by the society and to Musical Director Barbara Turner
for maintaining pace - so essential - and to Producers Debbie Hobley and
David Parkes for a first class production.
(Ken Webb)
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Newton AD&OS
Director: Barbara Whitaker
Musical Director: Tim Fullman
Choreographers: Rebecca Walton & Jenny Whitaker
A traditional pantomime with the comedy provided by Mervyn Whitaker (Dame Trot), Michael McCaw (Simple Simon), Jenny Whitaker (Marigold), the "baddies" Paul Stafford (Dick Dastardly) and Matthew Pullen (Igor) and the romantic aspect by Dawn McGuire (Goldilocks) and Norma Prescott (Edwin).
A fine trio of bears completed the title roles, Jennifer Butler (Mister), Jackie O'Leary (Missus) and Susan Halton (Baby) with the innovation of Maxine Browne as Cousin Polar Bear.
Eleanor Roberts made a delightful Forest Fairy ensuring that the panto had its usual happy ending and Lucy Barham was word perfect as the Ghost of Anne Boleyn.
The chorus, children and dancers provided admirable backing accompanied by a lively trio of Tim Fullman on keyboard, Toby Hodkinson on guitar and Vince Wilcock on drums.
The sets, sound and lighting were good and it was pleasing to learn that members of the newly formed youth drama group - the NADOS Nippers - had assisted in the design and construction.
I felt at times that the script by Ron Hall was somewhat "wordy" for a pantomime but overall it was a good performance by all involved.
COPACABANA
SCAMPS Amateur Youth Company
Director/Choreographer: Paul Walsh
Musical Director: Brian Goodwin
Company Producer: Barbara Herd
For their 20th anniversary production SCAMPS chose Barry Manilow's Copacabana and what a fantastic job they made of it! Performed in a Leisure Centre this production would have graced the stage of any theatre in the country such was the professionalism of every aspect.
In the double roles of Lola/Samantha and Tony/Stephen, Gemma Moss and John Marques gave absolutely faultless performances displaying all round singing/dancing/acting talent well beyond their respective ages of 16 and 17.
Not to be overshadowed, Katie Muncaster and Ric Hazlewood were superb in their respective roles as the cigarette girl (Gladys Murphy) and Copa Manager (Sam Silver).
In her fourth show with SCAMPS another 17-year-old, Liz Brown, made her principal debut in the role of the Latin bombshell Conchita Alvarez magnificently.
Completing the line-up of main principals Matthew Gardner was ideal as the elegant gangster Rico Castelli, the manager of the rival establishment, the Tropicana in Cuba.
All the minor principal parts were well played and the dance routines by the Copa Girls and Boys were excellently performed with fantastic costumes.
The scenery and sets were brilliantly designed enabling all the scene changes to be accomplished without disruption to the story line.
The whole performance was backed by a super back-stage orchestra under the baton of NODA NW Award Winner Brian Goodwin.
A number of the performers are moving on to new ventures and I am sure that the experience of being a member of SCAMPS under the expert direction of founder member Paul Walsh will hold them in good stead in their future careers. I join with him in wishing them well.
The entire production was entertainment of the highest standard receiving a well deserved standing ovation at the final curtain and all concerned should be proud of their involvement.
My wife joins me in thanking you for your kind welcome and hospitality.
ALI BABA
Shavington Village Festival Committee
Producer/Director: Howard Gray
Musical Director: Mona Goodwin
Choreographer: Andrea Gibbs
Billed as "Shavington's 2002 Pantomime Spectacular" this production lived up to its name well and truly. An original script by Producer Howard Gray was performed at a cracking pace by the largest cast I have had the pleasure of seeing in a pantomime. Twelve principals, 19 adult chorus, 45 children backed by an unbelievable "crew" of 85 backstage and front-of-house helpers ensured the success of the production. From the principals' programme notes I calculate that there is an aggregate of around 100 years of panto experience between them and this was evident in the competent manner of their performances.
Principal boy Julie Snell (Ahmed) and Angie Snell as principal girl (Selena) were ideal, matching each other in their tuneful duets.
Making his debut in a Shavington panto, Mike Malone played the evil Sheikh-ah-Legg in fine style, collecting vociferous boos from the enthusiastic audience.
Ann Watson hammed up the part of Kleptomania (or was it Clapped-out-Maniac?) for all she was worth. More comedy, in the manner of the Three Stooges, came from Ross Hogg-Robinson (Gutta), Scott Watson (Nutta) and Benjamin Gibbs (St-st-stutta) especially in a painting and decorating scene. Further comedy came from Malcolm Bowyer (Wazir) together with Carole Waters and Kim Gibson (Camel). Matthew Hassall (Ali Baba) and Andy Locket (Casim) completed the talented cast in lively choreographed routines accompanied by a good combo.
The sets, which were constructed and painted by volunteers, were superb and the whole production is one with which all concerned should be proud. It was an outstanding example of what can be achieved in a village community by a dedicated group of enthusiasts.
OLD KING COLE
St. Thomas's AD&OS, Golborne
Producer: Alison Sheridan
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
Choreographers: Aimee Scally (Chorus) & Carole Serjent (Children)
Yet another fine pantomime from the pens of Geoffrey Clarke and Mary Howarth performed in the traditional style with lively scenes and routines in a well cast production.
In the title role, Gary Williams had the ideal appearance and manner to carry off the part, admirably supported by Chislaine Coleman as the Lord Chamberlain.
Jim Holme was in fine form as Queen Matilda and together with Matthew Morrell (Boris) and Keith Wilde (Horace) kept the comedy flowing.
We were treated to a double helping of romance in the characters of Prince Michael and Princess Mellanie, played by Claire Pilkington and Lisa Quinn, plus their respective aide and maid, Hugo and Lisa, played by Leanne Kennedy and Sarah Lyon. All four played their parts delightfully.
As the aptly named Nightshade, Queen of Darkness, Michelle Thompson together with Sarah Curtis as the villainous Prince Karl deservedly received the boos for their well played threatening characters, thwarted as always by the Spirit of the Talisman portrayed in true good-fairy style by Rose Hatton.
It was obvious that the children in the chorus routines were enjoying themselves and hopefully they will be encouraged to take part in future productions.
It is always gratifying to record a "first" and I was honoured to be present on the occasion when, for the first time in his long career, set designer Bob Lord actually saw a production from the front having stepped in at short notice to operate a spot light.
As always the sets designed by Bob and constructed by his talented team were excellent as were the lighting effects.
Thank you for your customary welcome and hospitality. It was an enjoyable evening's entertainment.
THE MIKADO
Trinity AOS
Director/Choreographer: Nicky Evans
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
Asst. Director: Susan Minshull
My first impression, when the curtain opened on the Gentlemen of Japan dressed in business suits, reading newspapers and using mobile phones whilst waiting for a train, was "What are they doing to the Mikado?" The answer was soon apparent - they are making a very good job of it! Setting this G&S masterpiece in 2002 made no difference as much of the humour is still topical.
Having the Train of Little Ladies met out of school by their mothers and the Three Little Maids hitching up their skirts as they also came out of school accentuated the effect of the present day fashion.
A magnificent portrayal of Ko-Ko by Martin Alcock was all the more creditable as I believe he was making his stage debut in a musical.
David Francis, up-dated from second trombone to lead guitarist, made an ideal Nanki-Poo and Albert O'Rourke (Pooh-Bah) and James McVicar (Pish-Tush) gave excellent support.
Outstanding performances were given by the Maids, Sarah Goodwin (Yum-Yum), Hannah McAllister (Pitti-Sing) and Helen Snelson (Peep-Bo) whilst the appearance of Lesley Davies as Katisha - resplendent in motor-cycle leathers and crash helmet-was only marginally overshadowed by the massively costumed Mikado played admirably by Nigel Evans.
All the musical numbers, principal and chorus, were of a high standard accompanied by a fine orchestra under the baton of Ian Pickford.
Stage Manager Robert Dowell and his team are to be complimented on the scene changes which were well planned and timed beautifully with the musical interludes.
I was particularly impressed with the discipline on stage when a last minute hitch with the house tabs left the entire cast in view following the finale. They remained motionless until the offending curtain was freed enabling them to make a dignified exit. Well done!
THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Vale Royal Junior Operatics
Producer: Ellan Williams
Musical Director: Barbara Lewis
Choreographer: Sharon Caffery
This musical version of an original story by C S Lewis was performed by a cast of local 10 to 16 year olds in a variety of human, mythical and animal characters.
As the "children" Laura Bason (Susan), Victoria Targett (Lucy), Ben Lewis (Peter) and Anthony Ban-Ali (Edmund) acted and sang their respective parts to great effect.
Matthew Ambrose brought a degree of dignity to the role of Asian the Lion, in contrast to the wickedness of the White Witch played in a dominant manner by Keeley Cheswick.
The principals were well supported by the other characters but on occasion the audibility could have been improved. The Winsford Civic Hall has a large auditorium and although sound equipment is installed attention needs to be given to voice training and projection.
The sets were well designed and the transitions from the spare room housing the wardrobe to the mythical scenes were effectively accomplished.
The musical numbers and dances moved at a good pace and the unusual combo of piano, flute and percussion provided just the right accompaniment for the production.
CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT
Warrington Light Opera
Musical Director: Peter Henry and the Manchester Opera Orchestra Leader: Kay Thomas
To a packed Parr Hall, the WLO presented their annual gala concert, a delightful programme of seasonal music, songs from a variety of shows all with dance themes - together with operatic and orchestral items. One would normally expect to see an orchestra of 45+ musicians accompanying a choir of at least 100 voices but the 47 members of the WLO were not to be outdone. Under the baton of the hardworking Peter Henry they treated the enthusiastic audience to a splendid evening's entertainment.
I know of few societies that could provide soloists from their own ranks capable of performing excerpts from grand opera to such a high standard.
We heard a duet from La Traviata sung by Karen Dyble and Steve Rayner, the 'Bell Song' from Lakme from Tina Chester, 'La Donna e mobile' from John Alvey, 'Softly Awakes My Heart' superbly sung by Jan Hutchings and - with a touch of humour from the MD - 'The Easter Hymn' (Cavalleria Rusticana) in which the chorus provided a stirring backing to Janice Rendel's excellent solo.
A fine start to the festive season and an evening of which all the soloists, chorus, musicians and especially Peter Henry should be justly proud.