January 2003 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
MACK & MABEL
Adlington Music & Arts Society
Director/Choreographer: Mr S. Chesters
Musical Director: Mr Steven Sandiford
Once again this society manages to do the impossible, this time to put on a show with a props list to frighten anyone outside of a mainline theatre, and the comment from the cast of "where do we go"! Well they put it somewhere for it was all there and used and used with great aplomb. This was a tour de force it had pace and it needs it, it flowed and had continuity.
My thanks to the leading performers yet again. We had an excellent Mack thanks to Philip May who handled the two sides of the character with care and thought. Mabel was played by Kathryn Gorton with great confidence but missed the vulnerability and sensitivity of the part, but had a lovely voice and sang superbly well. Diane Simmons sang well as Lottie and we had an excellent baddie in the form of Ken Patterson who played Desmond Taylor.
They were supported by Richard Leigh as Frank and a sterling performance by Chris Higson as Fatty, this was an exceptional performance by this actor, backed up by a good chorus.
Together with a good, well painted set on a stage which should not be large enough, once more we had a wonderful enjoyable night at Adlington, the orchestra weren't half bad either!
COPACABANA
Birkdale Orpheus Society
Director: Les Gomersall
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
Choreographer: Karen Edge
This was the first time I had seen this show and although there is not much of a story line it works very well as a piece of theatre. The set looked good. The musicians were excellent, but at times very loud, drowning the singing. The costumes were something else and Pantomime Shop should be congratulated on them, they were smashing.
Although the show has principals the stars are the Copa Girls, and if ever a show rested on the choreography this one does. Karen Edge has done a superb job with the steps, and the girls looked the part with the 10 gorgeous young ladies strutting their stuff. I list them, not in any order, but for the record: Kim Abram, Kerry Deegan, Sarah Jones, Heather Lewis, Jackie Morris, Jenny Napoli, Vicky Newcombe, Lucy O'Connor, Natalie Pye and last but not least Louise Webster. Well done the lot of you.
Dave Smith sang the part of Tony to good effect, playing opposite him was Liz Clarke whose Lola was a gem. Ron Bridson's strong portrayal of Rico was yet another part which came across well. I particularly enjoyed the interchange between Conchita Alvarez played by Lauren Murphy and Rico although I did feel Lauren needed to look a little older. Steve Pritchard was Sam Silver and handled the two sides of this character with ease. Finally Frieda Kelly gave a polished performance as Gladys Murphy.
In addition to the parts I have mentioned there were many small supporting cameos by the chorus and this team performance made this a wonderful evening's entertainment. My thanks to all concerned, especially the director for this show had both pace and power.
TEECHERS
Chorley A.D.O.S (Youth theatre)
Directed by Brainne Edge
John Godber is not everybody's cup of tea but when you witness a production executed in the way this was you could not help but be impressed. Each actor having to do several characters, and each well drawn and consistent.
There are only three people in this play and the three young people performed both the adult and children's parts extremely well and are to be congratulated. Well done to Charlotte Knowles, Rachel Wareing and Russell Ditchfield.
It was a shame to hear that the talented young director of this play is to leave for the bright lights of the South of England, and I am sure like me the society hopes to see her again and in the not to distant future. The best of luck with your chosen career, Brainne.
OUT OF FOCUS
Derby Players
Director: Mollie Jackson
The set was more than adequate for this fast moving comedy which at times borders on farce. It is well written and the characters are well drawn. The production was good, and we had some nice performances especially from newcomer to the society, Dawn Roder who played the part of Linda very well.
Kevin Green also turned in a good performance as the wayward husband, Bob. Carol Kennedy's Helen was the best thing I have seen her do so far and Malcolm Thompson did well with David. Don Gardner gave Wayne his best shot, but not certain about the accent Don.
Brownie leader Helen played by Yvonne Bryce had the right tone of voice as had boring Leonard executed well by Norman Jackson. The Vicar's wife was played by Rita Sharples and Kate Ratoff the suspicious wife of Bob.
All would have been so much better if the pace had been quicker and the lines more attainable, cues were late and so to entrances, a shame because it was all there, it just needed more concentration, perhaps.
But an enjoyable evening all the same. My thanks to all concerned.
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
The Hindley and Wigan Amateur Operatic Society
Producer: John Connell
Musical Director: Joan Bond
Choreographer: Jayne Quinlan
There is a first time for everything and this was the first of the Wigan societies to perform a full show at the Wigan Pier. The reason it had not been done before is that with its low ceiling, mill pillars and no dressing rooms, it is not the ideal venue where you can put on a show. But where the devil drives! The finished article wasn't half bad, the pillars hold up the roof so you have to put up with them. The venue held 350 and the night I went there was in excess of 300 people in. They overcame initial problems with the sound so from the public point of view the only problem was the fact that it became a little warm as the night progressed. The cast overcame all the other things I mentioned and the show went on.
The set was adequate and the costumes fine. The children at first could have looked a little shabbier, their clothes looked too good. But the four of them Minnie (Rebecca Cunliffe), Nellie (Lisa Bryden), Jessie (Clare Myers) and little Jake (Nathan Marsh) did very well.
Ken West gave us a Charlie Davenport which was up to his usual standard, as was the part of his sister Dolly Tate played by Maria Collier. Buffalo Bill played by Ken Rees surely looked the part thanks to some very good make up which was echoed throughout the show, well done. Alan Perry is to be congratulated for two smashing cameos, Sitting Bull and Foster Wilson, both came across very well. Frank Butler was played by David Traynor, David turned in the best performance I have seen from him so far.
The performance of the evening was that of the Tracy Unsworth whose Annie was spot on. It was a wonderful performance by this attractive and talented young lady, and worthy of the applause she received from a very receptive audience.
My thanks to all concerned.
ROCK FEVER 2
Knowsley Music Theatre
Director: Steve Titchmarsh
Choreography: Penny Caffrey
Once again these talented young people who have tremendous energy gave their choreographer everything she asked for, and provided the excited audience with a very enjoyable evening at the theatre.
Once again we were treated to the sort of standard that people like Derren Dolphin and Carl Au always give. But this time two new faces stood out in the well coached ensemble: those of Vicki Dempsey who has a lovely voice and the dancing talents of Emnia Farley who along with the rest of the cast did wonders with the dance numbers, especially those out of Moulin Rouge. For me the selection from 'We Will Rock You" and "Tommy" were very good indeed.
Costumes were spot on and a special word for Penny Caffrey's choreography who has brought a new brightness to all the dance routines and with no obvious repetition even though each of the nine shows all had an element of movement in them well done.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Director: Dennis Coote
Musical Director: John Elliott
May I congratulate the society on the performance of this most popular Savoy Operetta. It had all the traditional features with a pleasant surprise here and there. A minimalistic set necessary with a full chorus on stage of 20 ladies and 20 men, yes men!!! Oh you lucky island. The costume were very good indeed from Utopia Ltd of Dundee which complemented the good set.
The extra music to the tune of "Hail Poetry" at the end was well done and well sung. The orchestra under the baton of John Elliott was as good as ever and a joy to listen to. From the curtain we had a wall of sound and it set the scene for what was to follow.
Gary Corkhill played the Pirate King and he has a nice voice, only for this part I would have liked it to have been a little stronger. Geoffrey Collier made a excellent Major General as did Kevin Brew as his lietenant Samuel, he really looked the part. I enjoyed the straight faced Sergeant of Police played by Ken Grumbly. Does Dr Who know he borrowed the Tardis?
We had a smashing Ruth thanks to Valerie Kissack, she was just right and a smashing voice. Karen Elliott once again gave a super performance, this time as Mabel and only matched by Simon Fletcher, as good a Frederic I have seen anywhere.
All this and a Royal appearance by Queen Victoria at the end by kind permission of Hazel Ashton brought this truly enjoyable evening to a close, and yet another wonderful visit to this lovely island to an end.
ANNIE
Maghull Amateur Operatic Society
Director: Neil Townsend
Musical Director: Jill Hyde
Choreographer: Betty Hall
Neil Townsend's productions are always enjoyable and this was no different, the pre curtain action while the overture was playing is testament to the innovation of this talented young director.
The part of Daddy Warbucks for once had hair and was acted well by Neil Butler. Annie, the title role by a dark haired Nadia Morrissey, not a red hair to be seen, but just as effective. My congratulations to the young lady who managed the dog better than Mr. Warbucks, and gave a nice rounded performance.
The Orphans were brilliant - well done choreographer and well done girls.
It was very much an ensemble performance but little Molly played by Elizabeth Butler was a showstopper, a pure delight. Drake gave us the epitome of the English Butler, played by Tony Adamson. Tom Adamson on the other hand was a very good President. The whole of the Radio Station scene came across well, congratulations to all involved. I particularly enjoyed the orphans' reprise of "You're never fully dressed without a smile" which followed.
Miss Hannigan ruled with a rod of iron and Marie Orr took her part well. Lynne Lee did not put a foot wrong as Grace Farrell and gave an excellent performance. This was only matched by the pretty Jenny Horridge whose Lily St. Regis was exactly what was called for. Her partner in crime Mark Duffy played Rooster to the hilt. The two of them were a joy to watch.
Although the production was very good, I was surprised that one of the orphans was rich enough to be wearing a watch and on two or three occasions people put their hands through the glass in a door to shut it. Small points but once on stage it's down to the players to remember!
Well done again on a good evening's entertainment, my thanks to all concerned.
DIE FLEDERMAUS
Merseyside Opera
Producer: Jim Craig
Musical Director: Michael Hoyland
It was nice to be back at the Neptune, hopefully it will not close this next year and give a home again to the not so wealthy societies around Liverpool.
The part I look forward to most in this show is the overture as it must be one of the best. I was not disappointed with a good orchestra in the capable hands of Michael Hoyland. It came across very well indeed and set the scene for what was to come. This is an opera company and the standard of singing was excellent. John Phipps as Alfred was very amusing and the Eisensteins also did well, Eric Russell playing the target of the bat's revenge and Pam Ashcroft as his wife, also in good voice.
Their maid, Adele, was charming and Julie Davitt's performance was up to her normal high standard. The bat himself towered over all he surveyed Dr Falke was suitably played by Stephen Riordan. Philomena Golding's portrayal of Prince Orlofsky was a nice cameo, Eddle Bentley's performance of Frank was very enjoyable but his make up was not right.
But supported by a good vocal chorus, the evening was most entertaining. My thanks to all concerned.
OLIVER!
Hindley & Wigan Amateur Operatic Society (Youth Group) - The Next Generation
Producer: Anthony Partington
Musical Director: Joan Bond
Choreographer: Jane Gaskell
The venue was not ideal but they did well with the limitations which it placed upon them.
Although entitled a youth production the majority of the principals were from the adult group. It would have been nice if these could have come from the young people, for the enthusiasm was there in abundance and hopefully that will be the case as time goes on. Casting was not quite right, and we had a very tall Dodger in the form of Joe Saunders and his side kick Oliver was also a bit too big for the part; but Sam Rushton did well and has the beginnings of a nice voice. I shall look forward to seeing more of these young men in future productions.
Two mature performances which would have been well received in any adult version were those of Clive Green and Maria Collier as Mr.Bumble and the Widow Corney. Peter Boon was a good Mr Sowerberry and Mrs Sowerberry was Clare Hodkinson, a young lady who always gives of her best, but their daughter Charlotte is a real find. Rebecca Cunliffe 's personality just shone out and hopefully we shall see more of this promising actress. Noah Claypole was enthusiastically played by Ian Hollis.
Nancy and Fagin, played by society stalwarts Christine Armstrong and Ken Rees both putting in workmanlike performances.
But I have to mention that some of the costumes were not right, and there is no way that Nancy would wear earrings and a necklace. Bill Sykes (Brian Heap) would have sold them as soon as he had clapped eyes on them!!
BUT if the main objective was to give over 40 young people a first taste of live theatre it was well worth the effort and my congratulations to all concerned.
ALI THE BARBER AND THE FOUR TEA LEAVES
Ormskirk Theatre Company
Producers: Gary Simpson, Andy Hawes
Musical Director: Paul Goulden
This show was different and the film shown at the beginning, a prologue I suppose, was very well done, to the extent of having the Granada Tonight team appearing on it. Well done to them and to the fixer who pulled it off. The pantomime had a very thin storyline and it kept going back on itself that it sort of went two steps forward and one step back so much, so it was surprising we arrived at the end. En route there were some nice comedy moments, quite a few by the writer and director Gary Simpson, others provided by multi-character Mark Hill each resembling the previous. Making into a running gag.
All the normal people were there. The Dame played by Colin Lea and the butt of another running joke as her name was Barbara Ann. We had mixed up cow that thought he/she was a camel, Abanazer (no we have not changed panto) played by Don Ridland could have been a little more nasty, and a pretty Princess Jasmine in the form of Becky Casey. The one character who kept her strong character going was that of Pat Baker who played Doris.
The children shouted and screamed so as panto is for children it worked. What do we adults know? Panto season is definitely here.
42ND STREET
Pilkington AODS
With a hatful of lively songs such as 'We're in the Money', '42nd Street', Shuffle of to Buffalo' and many more along with good sets, costumes and dancing one is in for an excellent evening's entertainment - and for the main part thus it was. I am constantly amazed by the terpsichorean skills amongst the amateur ranks and so congratulations are due to choreographer Michelle Wakefield, dance captain Suzanne Kinsey and everyone involved in such crisp, well drilled production numbers which were a joy to watch.
The part of small town girl Peggy Sawyer was well within the compass of the talented Helen Roberts. Good voice, excellent reactions and dancing ability made this a very believable characterisation. Julie Chambers gave a solid performance as Dorothy Brock although I would have expected a little more 'edge' in her clashes with Peggy. Steve Coghlan sang well and gave a commanding performance as the authorative Julian Marsh whilst Jean Aspinall gave a good account of herself as Maggie Jones as did John Dawson as Bert Barry. James Kirby showed a deft turn of foot as Andy Lee whilst Martin Talbot turned in a steady, if somewhat understated, performance as Billy Lawler. Kristy Geraghty made a bright, bubbly Anytime Annie and was well supported by Lisa Furnivall (Phyllis), Sarah Jones (Lorraine) and Diane Glover (Diane).
An excellent production by Norma Houghton which was well backed by a fine
orchestra, who made a telling contribution, under the baton of Jill Hyde.
Glyn Neary
NO, NO NANETTE
Rainhill Amateur Operatic Society
Producer and Choreographer: Erika Case
Musical Director: Tommy Mason
This was first time I had seen the "New" version of this show which I had always enjoyed in its old form but this is not a Me and My Girl re-write. First of all it is no longer in England but in the States. Although there are a few funny lines it is not as good as the original.
The Smiths were played by Marjorie Davies and Paul Davies who did well both on stage and after when they both received long service awards. Nanette (Jenny Hawley) sang her way through a part which no longer flowed, another serious change. Paul Gwilliam gave a confident performance as Billy Early as did his stage wife played by Bet Davies.
But the performance of the evening was that of Rosie Sephton whose performance of the maid Pauline was a gem and made my evening.
My thanks to all concerned.
LOVE MATCH
St. Ambrose Players
Director: Les Cookson
This play is one of the few which stands the test of time and provided it is set and done as a period piece it is still very funny. Of course you need a good cast, and if the laughter that came from the audience is anything to go by, they didn't do to badly at all.
The Browns were played extremely well with both Jean Robinson and Lionel Glover giving their usual good portrayal, this time of Sal and Bill Brown. They were very well supported by Amy Craig and Nick Gittins who played their children Rose and Percy. Train driver Bill's pal fireman Wally Binns was handled very well by Colin Woods "drunk again" hey! It's becoming a habit for Colin but well controlled. His wife Emma was played by Joan Hudson and David Quick was the understanding ref/lodger.
The supporting comedy lead of Alf Hall was played by Steve Barnes but with a Liverpool accent which made it difficult to hear some of the lines and some of the comedy was lost.
This was a good revival of a classic end of the pier show, well done to all and thanks for the laughs.
A special word for a good set and spot on with the costumes of the '50s.
TRIVIAL PURSUITS
St. Paul's Players
Director: Tony Henry
This very funny play deserved a bigger audience than were present the night I saw this group attempt this difficult but very enjoyable show.
We had a strongly drawn Teddy, played well by Ken Brindley and the difficult part of Derek was played by Tom Power with understanding. His wife Deirdre was played by Linda Bailey, a nice performance. Pearl (Kathleen Ashworth), Mona (Audrey Power), Joyce (Judith Armstrong) and Jessica was played by the young Katy Henry, all waiting to find out what show their operatic society were to give next, the announcement to be given by Nick (Adrian Beaumount) their director at their home while having a barbeque.
His long suffering wife was played well by Jean Robinson but Eddle (Vincent Taylor) did not come across as he should. The main problem was that this is a quick fire comedy and unfortunately the pace was too slow and lines seemed to be a problem.
But it was an enjoyable evening and a good attempt at a difficult play.
OPERA SUPPER & SUPPER
Una Voce
Musical Director: Sean Ashmore
This was a very enjoyable evening, and continuing the goals of this society in giving the young and not so young a stage to show what excellent voices there are in the Merseyside area.
The concert started with two numbers from the society's recent production of Donizetti's Emilia di Liverpool which was performed at the Royal Court in Liverpool to mark the Royal Jubilee. Both numbers set the standard for the evening with Clare Hyams and Laura Hudson singing the roles they had in the production. Young Danielle Thomas gave us a lovely rendering of Schubert's "An die musik" and after a wonderful rendition of "Song to the Moon" by Dvorak Michael Boe joined Laura Hudson and the chorus in the Brindisi from Verdi's La Traviata.
The second half started well with the whole company singing the Anvil Chorus then another young person in the form of Julian Gundern executed well "Le Violette" by Scarlatti. This was then followed by two numbers by Laura Hudson who just gets better and better including the Habañera by Bizet.
Robina White did well with "The last rose of summer" and this was followed by two well sung numbers, the first by the Artistic Director Ian Dunning who sang Handel's "Ruddier Than the Cherry" followed by Michael Boe's second offering by Tosti.
All brought to an end by the whole company singing Verdi's "Va pensiero", a fine ending to an enjoyable evening, my thanks to all concerned.