May 2003 - Region 2 - Keith Painter
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Blackpool Operatic Players
In a change from their usual full productions Blackpool Operatic brought their considerable talent to Lowther Pavilion Theatre.
Described in the programme as a Concert of Season Favourites, the mixture of old and new songs was a delight. Everyone put their hearts and souls into their singing and the result was a very entertaining show.
I particularly liked Andrew Taylor singing "Walking in the Air" and of course, the Ageing Fairy!
A nice selection of numbers meant we could sing along and some of us were still singing all the way home. Thank you all.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Nogal Pear Tree Players
This year's pantomime was written by the two founders of NOGAL, Sue Gallagher and Garry Norris. As always it was a spectacle from start to finish.
The hero and heroine played by Vicki Gallagher and Lucy Wood led us through the story admirably. They were supported by Dame Tilda Trott and of course, the two ugly (?) sisters borrowed from Cinderella - don't ask, this is pantomime!
I liked the different way that Jack went up the beanstalk. Instead of the usual climb to the top, he flew. A big part of the success of the show must go to the backstage team who were on the other end of the flying apparatus.
I cannot close without mentioning the cannon, which catapulted the Squire's bailiff through the theatre; it must have been very well made to go off with such a bang! Thank you all.
CINDERELLA
Our Lady Star of the Sea Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
Just what was needed to bring a little warmth to a cold December night? This pantomime by the Star of the Sea society certainly warmed our hearts with a lovely combination of singing, dancing and humour.
The title role of Cinderella was charmingly played by Sarah Appleton. She sang and acted very nicely. Emily Cook playing her suitor was also a delight. The two ugly sisters were indeed ugly (!) and Leo Appleton and Len Hampson did a good job in making them believable.
The costumes were colourful, the scenery adequate for the small stage and it was nice to see some of the youngest members having a go at parts.
A very nice evening and some lasting memories especially of the Winter Wonderland scene. Thank you all.
THE MEMORY OF WATER
Poulton Drama
How refreshing it was to visit to see a new play and an excellent one at that. It is an award winning comedy by Shelagh Stephenson.
The story is of three sisters who gather at their mother's house for her
funeral. Not very funny you may think but believe me, it is. A more diverse
set of characters would be hard to find.
The whole cast was excellent - Mary (Stephanie Heaney), Vi (Maureen Tyler),
Teresa (Sally Grey), Mike (Geoff Porter) and Frank (Mike Buckley).
An outstanding performance came from Helen Atkin in the role of Catherine the youngest of the three sisters. On arriving at the house she proceeded to regale us with all the problems of being young. You could sense the expectation of the audience with her every appearance as a kind of buzz took off.
As normal with Poulton Drama, sets and costumes were excellent and congratulations
to the director Renee Ames. A most enjoyable evening.
Ken Robinson
2003 MUSICAL REVUE
Sue Turner Fylde Theatre Group
This year's revue was a spectacular display of singing and dancing staged in the famous Blackpool Winter Gardens. The show featured nice selections from old favourites to modern shows. Highlights included West Side Story and The James Bond Years.
Sue puts on these revues every year but always manages to come up with something different and this year was no exception.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE MUSICAL PANTOMIME
The Teresian Players
Written and devised by Tom Gradwell this was another very nice pantomime. The large cast worked hard to entertain us and they succeeded. Colourful costumes, nice scenery and props to match helped the overall effect.
I enjoyed the big production numbers and the singing and dancing was very well done by all involved.
I liked the way the cast was divided into smaller groups such as the Village Maidens, Village Boys and Junior Village Girls - this must have made the rehearsals more manageable.
Congratulations to all involved.
RED RIDING HOOD
Trinity Theatre Group
First of all I must say "Congratulations" to this society on its 40th annual pantomime. Once again it was a very entertaining production. An old favourite brought up to date by the inclusion of Emmerdale Forest and Castle Dracula as two of the scenes.
I thought Jenna Suthers as Red Riding Hood was beautiful and she sang and acted very nicely. Not so beautiful was Arthur Caldicott as Granny Hood! Although he did make us laugh so I suppose he must be forgiven.
Everyone put in a lot of effort to get their parts across to the audience and their hard work paid off. Simple scenery, lighting and props and nice costumes all helped to make this show a success.
I look forward to the 41st production with glee.
PORTRAIT OF MURDER
Windmill Players
This production was in the capable hands of Carol Lawrence and it moved along at a good pace and held everybody's interest right up to the finale, as all good mysteries should, but then it fell apart with what must surely be one of the worst last lines ever written, what a shame.
All the characters were convincing in the roles, with a nice measured performance from Cathie Welsh as the love interest in the triangle.
Costumes and props were up to the usual high standard, but I must make
a special mention of the set designed and built by Chuck Forbes, it really
was outstanding.
Ken Robinson