January 2003 - Region 5 - Glyn Neary
DISNEY DAZZLE
Bury Athenaeum AOS
This compilation of Disney classics was produced by Val Ruddy, choreographed by Judith Edwards with musical direction by David Abendstern. This talented threesome got the best out of a youthful chorus and the senior principals. The music associated with Disney films has a timeless quality which both young and old recognise and enjoy - and thus it was on the night I attended. From early tunes such as 'Heigh Ho' through to the very latest Lion King all were treated with enthusiasm, and no small measure of skill, which transferred to the audience.
Many of the cast were given solo opportunities with, amongst others, Sarah Davey's 'Lavender Blue' and Samantha Clarke's 'A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes' coming over particularly well.
There were also some attractive dance routines such as the tap dancing 'Bibbidi - Bobbidi - Boo' along with well choreographed 'Kiss the Girl' and 'Under the Sea' numbers.
A small orchestra gave excellent backing to the proceedings, David Reeves provided a comprehensive bibliograph of the Disney story and the evening was brought to a close with a selection of songs from the Lion King which were well sung by the entire cast.
A very enjoyable evening's entertainment.
A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT
Children's Amateur Theatre Soc
What a cracking choice of show for this group of talented youngsters whose ages ranged from 12 to 18 years. The set and lighting design by Alan Dodd and Ian Henshaw was a microcosm of the typical 1960s dance hall which certainly evoked memories amongst those of the audience I spoke to.
Director and choreographer Louise Cohen brought this excellent set to life with a string of brilliantly devised, well co-ordinated and executed dance routines by the cast. Music was supplied by Helen and Mike Walker on keyboard and drums which was played at pace and exactly right for the production.
In the role of 'rubber legs' Eric, owner of the dance hall, was Jonathan Cunliffe. His understanding of the role, singing voice and general acting ability belied his 13 years of age. The main protagonists amongst the lads on their Saturday night out were James Eccleshare (Gary), Daniel Whitehead (Rick) and Matthew Gavin (Eddie). Each were excellent in their characterisations showing the fallibility and uncertainties of the teenage years.
The girls were equally well represented by Lizy Oakes (Sue), Rebecca Brown (Sharon) and Katherine Davies (Bridget). They contributed to the overall effect in a very professional manner.
Minor principal roles were carried out with equal skill, costumes were of the period, the whole production being a very vibrant and colourful affair. The finale brought tumultuous and well deserved applause from a capacity audience.
A RIGHT ROYAL CELEBRATION
Farnworth Performing Arts Company
Producer: Jean Horrocks
Musical Director: Marjorie Simm
With songs from each year of Her Majesty's reign, we had something for everyone, with a chorus opening each decade and also a group of children who stole the show and were excellent in all their numbers. I particularly enjoyed " How much is that doggy in the window" and "Matchstick Men".
In the '50s we had songs from the voice Claire Kiernan and an enjoyable selection from Calamity Jane backed by the chorus. With the '60s came the Beatles and two well-sung numbers by Jean Horrocks. "Who will buy" from Oliver was sung so well by the young Thomas Smith. The '70s were brought in by the chorus singing "Bright Eyes " which came across extremely well. And followed by a selection from Grease which brought the first half to an end. I must mention the lovely voice of Jackie Knowles who shone in Grease, well done.
With the 1980s came Abba and after a selection of their songs we had "The Power of love" sung well by Susan Foster and followed by what for me was the high spot of the evening. It consisted of the songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber then into the 1990s with "Perfect Day" but the songs from the voices of Ann Haslam and Jim Lancaster plus Sandra Blyth, Claire Kiernan and Jane Horrocks made my night, and to send everybody home in the right mood we had a "Last night of the Proms" end to the evening.
My thanks to all concerned.
Colin Magenty
OLIVER!
St Philips AODS Junior Workshop
From the opening on to the huge gloomy workhouse gates with the orphans waiting forlornly for their frugal meal I felt this had the makings of a good show - the production lived up to my expectations. Lighting, costumes and sets were excellent although I would have preferred things a little brighter in the final scene. All the principals were up to the standard I expect from this society. Daniel Bolton as Oliver looked, acted and sang extremely well. The Artful Dodger, Bruce Pilkington, sang beautifully but could have been a little cheekier, more of a jack the lad.
Fagin and Mr Bumble were played by adult members Graham Cohen and Andrew Platt. Both played their parts confidently as did Widow Corney and the Sowerberrys. The part of Bill Sykes can be quite daunting for a young person but Jonathan Dickerson was very good with a much improved voice - well done. The 'Who will Buy' number was excellent; in fact all the chorus are to be applauded for their performance throughout the show. They had obviously worked hard and it paid dividends.
I have left the best until last, Nancy and Bet played by Jenny Bowling and Holly Ogden. They sang and acted well together with Jenny giving a mature performance which was as good as I have ever seen - beautiful.
My thanks to all the society for a most entertaining evening. Jackie Kay
MURDERED TO DEATH
St Philips AODS
Sharron Knott's first production for the society of this exceedingly funny murder-mystery play proved quite successful and provided several outstanding performances.
The plot has two central themes running through it, both centring on the lady of the manor house Mildred Bagshot. Sharon Shaw, although looking a little too young for the character (better defined make-up) made a perfectly adequate Mildred. Her household was completed by her companion Dorothy, very well played in a caring and efficient manner, by Kathryn Henrys and Peter Smith as Bunting the butler. I felt the butler's character was taken out of context thus surrendering much of the comedy and surprise element.
Visitors to the manor include Margaret Craddock, a strong and convincing performance here from Margaret Owens, whilst Ian Duckworth was absolutely perfect as the blustering Col Charles Craddock. Pierre Marceau, so called art dealer and con man, was played by Peter Henrys who, although lacking maturity for the part, gave a creditable performance. Delaney Bridle gave an assured portrayal of Pierre's partner in crime as the pseudo upper class Elizabeth Hartley Trumpington.
The local super sleuth Joan Maple was played by Barbara Platt. Quite well done but a caricature of the 'Miss Marple' character which became less believable as the play progressed. She, of course, intercedes in the deliberations of Inspector Pratt (Joe Simmons) and Constable Thomkins (Andy Sleeman). Andy was excellent as the long suffering assistant of the incredibly incompetent Inspector.
The major plaudits of the production belong to the Inspector. This was a masterful performance played 'straight down the line' and all the funnier for it. If anyone doubts where Clouseau has gone he reappeared briefly in Bolton - an excellent performance.
Sets and lighting added to what proved to be a highly amusing evening's entertainment.
IN CONCERT 2002
The Three Towns OS
With accompaniment by Margaret Dakin and Holly Warbis all under the control of musical director Rod Dakin the society again provided a varied programme which was appreciated by a capacity audience.
Link man David Bratt (apologies for getting the name wrong last year) was a very competent Master of Ceremonies providing highly amusing interludes between the musical numbers.
From the 'highbrow' section we were treated to Bizet's 'Pearl Fishers Duet' sung by Jim Lancaster and George Ashcroft Snr, a passionate 'Habanera' by Joan Ashcroft whilst the whole company contributed with Handel's 'Zadoc the Priest', or as David Bratt would have us believe, 'Zadoc from Haydock' (for those of you with local knowledge).
From the 'shows' there were individual contributions from Colin Magenty (If I were a Rich Man), David Kay (Flash, Bang, Wallop), Terry Beswick (Stars) along with 'Sunrise Sunset' and a selection from Oliver, amongst others from the company.
There was also extracts from Orpheus in the Underworld which is the society's next production. The 'others' section ranged far and wide from 'Yellow Bird' via 'The Chatanooga Choo Choo' accompanied by 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' and Simon and Garfunkel.
A thoroughly enjoyable and well executed evening's entertainment.
ANNIE
Walmsley Church AODS
On my travels throughout Region 5, and elsewhere when standing in for otherwise engaged reps, one often sees individual excellence, great choreography etc. etc. Rarely do all the elements of a production conspire together to produce a brilliant show - this was one such. Attention to detail was much in evidence, accents were maintained throughout, lighting was good, the sets looked splendid and were changed speedily and even the dog looked completely at home on the stage.
The title role was taken by Fiona Larkin whose voice and acting ability belied her tender years and was matched by an impish Molly played by Danielle Hayes. The remaining legion of wonderfully scruffy orphanage kids worked well as a unit and were a delight to watch, particularly in the well choreographed 'Hard knock life' number.
The booze sodden harridan, Miss Hannigan, is a gem of a role and every nuance of the character was brought to life by Joyce Walters. Her shiftless relation Rooster and his gangster's moll styled Lily St Regis were equally well played by David and Vicki Wilson.
Mike Taylor gave an imposing performance, sang very well, showing a genuine warmth to the unfortunate Annie as the high powered business tycoon Oliver Warbucks whilst Lindsay Farnworth was ideally cast as Grace Farrell.
The studio scene was highly amusing giving Don Howcroft the chance to contribute as Bert Healy whilst Irene Bowers, Jane Bickerstaffe and Kathy Turton were the delightfully over the top Boylan sisters. There was also a strength in depth as those who took the minor roles all made telling contributions.
The orchestra under the direction of Marjorie Hough played extremely well adding to the overall effect, general chorus work was much improved and Producer/Choreographer Nora Howcroft can be well pleased with this bright, vibrant show and the quality achieved by all concerned.
This was a seamless production with hardly a chink in the armour of excellence.
CHESS
Whitefteld AODS
Whilst I am not a fan of the 'pop' styled score, which to my mind is only rescued by the 'Anthem' and 'I know him so well', along with memories of some less than engrossing previous productions of this show, I have to congratulate everyone concerned with this production.
The multi level set design by Ian Legate was well conceived and used to the full by an enthusiastic and well drilled chorus particularly in the 'Merano' and 'One Night in Bangkok' numbers. The small orchestra, thankfully to the rear of the set because they were a little loud at times, nevertheless led the piece at a fine pace under the direction of Peter England.
The personal conflicts between the players and the backstage manoeuverings of their supporters was finely drawn by Producer Carol McCormack and played with conviction by a talented collection of principals.
Martin Bradbury was well cast in the role of Fredrick Trumper. His voice was ideally suited to the score whilst the characterisation of this unstable, volatile chess champion was played with an intensity one rarely sees on the amateur stage.
He was nicely balanced by the measured approach of Steve Benson as the Russian Anatoly. The conflict between the characters was well portrayed whilst the 'Anthem' was beautifully sung.
Vicki Stott sang extremely well and used the wealth of experience at her disposable as the pawn in the complicated East/West machinations.
Keith McEvoy held the accent perfectly throughout and looked every inch the dour, suspicious Molokov again being nicely balanced against the charming but devious media tycoon Walter played by Mark Rosenthal.
Simon Pickup as the Arbiter and Lindsay Astin as Svetlana both made strong contributions to a production which also contained excellent chorus work and dance routines devised by choreographer Shirley Ann Hill.
A production of which all those involved can be justifiably proud.