May 2002 - Region 10 - Peter Hendren
COMPILATION CONCERT
Carlisle Music Society
This society is now using part of the huge Sands Centre and is attracting many more patrons.
The compilation concert was led and arranged by the ever-youthful Janice Jackson, who recently celebrated her 30 years of service to the Society. I enjoyed her playing on stage, and now she's even more versatile in the orchestra pit.
It is delightful to note several younger men on the stage currently. Amongst these was the pleasing tenor of Stuart Sokell, and the very definite tenor of Guiseppe Deligia who gave us some of the classic Italian arias.
Helene Nicholson shone in her numbers, as she put them over (correctly) with "whoomph".
One of the high spots was the performance of the Megamix, and this goes on continuously for about nine minutes. Exhausting even to watch, but tremendous theatre. Well done Carlisle M.S.
GUYS & DOLLS
Maryport A.O.S.
An excellent show from this hard-working society. Guys & Dolls needs a large cast and Maryport certainly did not disappoint!
The ladies of the Mission, all doubtless devoted souls, 'Followed the Fold' beautifully led by Linda Radcliffe as Arvide. In the ensemble numbers the stage was well arranged by Choreographer Helen Young.
By contrast to the ladies, the rough, tough crap-shooting men really enjoyed themselves, especially
Tex Houghton as Nicely-Nicely in "Sit down, you're rockin' the boat". Vigourous singing typified this show right through, not all bellowed of course, but confident voices. Sarah (Louise Dixon) and Sky Masterson (David Renwick) were well matched and played sensitively to each other. It was a pleasure to see the welcome return of Rachel Clark as Miss Adelaide. Her diction and pacing of the words is exemplary, apart from excelling in her singing and dancing. The rapport between her and the quieter Nathan grew as the show progressed.
Richard Knight kept the lively numbers going, albeit with a slightly reduced orchestra this time. Good control of the 'mike levels' from Pat O'Shea, on sound and lighting, added to the effective New York scenes dressed by Stage Manager David McHard.
All in all a most creditable show from Producer John Metcalfe, giving excellent entertainment.
TREASURE ISLAND
Maryport & Dist AOS
This show was new to me, but was bright and appealing with lots of action, especially for the youngsters. Maryport has a thriving Junior Section and it was they who presented this show. Apart from main principals there were 20 young people on stage, who were most enthusiastic, and well drilled by Producer Ed McGee.
I liked the performance overall, but it had one major 'crib' in that most of the smaller parts were inaudible. Yes, they spoke up loudly enough but each was just anxious to reach the end of their particular speech and tended to give it all out at once. As they develop they will learn the art of pacing speech and pausing of course. (Mind you there's lots of adults who can't do this either in other shows!)
I liked the performance from Clark Wilkinson as Jim Hawkins, who could pace it nicely. Long John Silver (Mark Bailey) also impressed, and there was a nice cameo role from Helen Darvill as the bearded Ben Gunn.
Richard Knight controlled the pleasant numbers well with his six piece orchestra, and the staging was, as ever, quite excellent in the very limited space to work.
A grand future should be assured for this Society with this talented Junior Section.
FREE AS AIR
Penrith Savoyards
A bright colourful show from the authors of Salad Days. Typically English in style, it has always had to contend with the blockbuster competition from the USA in the 1950s.
Penrith Savoyards were entertaining in their performance. The music, under the baton of MD Mike McNally, was pleasant but nothing was truly memorable in the show.
The casting was competent, but with this rather flat, twee storyline, I'd have preferred some more gusto in the acting.
In the singing, I liked the Testudo number which brought out the undoubted qualities of the chorus part-singing.
It was a pity that the slickness of scene changing and lighting were not up to scratch on my visit. Still, a pleasant show amid old friends.
MOTHER GOOSE
Workington AMS
A bright lively panto from WADAMS now nearing their 50th year. Producer Bob Holliday gave us all the traditional panto business, and the Workington decibel count was as high as ever.
The chorus were drawn from the Society's youth section and were quite excellent in their routines and use of the stage.
The experienced principals, helped by one or two 'promotions' from the juniors, bubbled along nicely. The staging and lighting were uniformly good, as was the music but sound levels occasionally needed fast re-adjustment on the night of my visit.
As always, a most hospitable society, and a fine show complemented a very good evening.
OLIVER!
Whitehaven A.O.S.
This show was very well done indeed. I must confess that Oliver! is one of my least favoured shows but putting that aside, I admired many aspects of this performance.
Firstly the casting was uniformly good, and main principals and smaller parts were completely in character and all could sing and speak well. The words were brought out vividly by the use of microphones, and the sound engineers are to be congratulated on their work. Every word of every song especially was crystal clear, which added immeasurably to the plot.
In the title role, Martin Bragg as Oliver was excellent, especially in the song "Where is Love?" Chris Simpson revelled in the Artful Dodger with a convincing cockney accent. I liked the experienced Geoff Hubbard as Fagin, too - a good character.
Audrey Pedersen collared the part of Nancy mightily - a grand portrayal - while Neil Manning made a strong debut in the part of the evil Bill Sykes.
The children were double cast as so many had applied, and were marshalled, arranged and drilled by the new choreographers, Lisa Anderson and Elaine Draper. The routines, pictures, and use of the stage was very sound.
In the pit Joan Morris just had pianos and drums to work with, but kept them and the singers bubbling along.
The overall production was in the hands of Ann Casson, who only took over some few weeks before opening night. Her production was tight, and well controlled, with nice 'business' adding to the characterisations. It was well done overall and served up 'good theatre'.
MACK A MABEL
Workington AOS
This show was carried off superbly by Workington AOS. A rather light storyline done in episodic parts doesn't make for cohesive story telling, but they rose to it magnificently. It was a great example of teamwork throughout - from the excellent principals, exuberant chorus and busy props, sets and lighting staff backstage.
In the main role of Mack Sennett was the experienced Roger Wilson, who played it with aplomb. What a character with a hard boiled exterior and his own private nagging doubts in his relationship with Mabel.
Joanne Rudd was an excellent foil for him, being mostly dutiful until she broke free, and showed more steel in her character, before finally succumbing to an early demise through drink and drugs.
All the principals were fine in their songs, but occasionally the libretto words were too light to carry to the balcony (especially speaking through music). Maybe the mikes could go up a tad?
I liked Reg Jenkinson as Fatty Arbuckle (padded surely?) and also Diane Ray as Lottie Ames in their convincing performances.
I've mentioned the exuberant chorus, but they really were top notch, from the ladies of the Bathing Beauties to the hilarious seemingly neverending antics of the Keystone Kops.
The show bounced with lots of 'business items', and cast and stage crew were exemplary in the speed of delivery and sheer panache.
Producer Ed McGee had gelled a fine Society, and a most lively show to give superlative entertainment. Congratulations.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
Whitehaven Theatre Group
Right from the start this show established high standards. The opening scene of a woodland glade and a maypole dance Was an excellent device and was charmingly executed. Indeed the dancing was uniformly excellent throughout the entire panto.
As ever Yvonne Chapman shone as Mrs Hubbard in her expressive part. Rachael Brown (Red Riding Hood) and Danielle Cook (Prince Charming) were both confident, experienced singers and their duets were delightful.
Paul McCumiskey as Sgt. Trunch and Julie Kessel as Constable Punch were lively and added some grand knockabout humour.
The show flowed nicely with easy scene changes and the lighting and sound were competent. A very good standard for the people of Whitehaven.