May 2003 - Region 3 - Amanda Watmough
OKLAHOMA!
Accrington Theatre Group - Buddies
Well, we certainly received an 'Oklahoma hello' and a 'Persian Goodbye' with this toe-tapping, hand-clapping production of Oklahoma!, by Accrington Theatre Group, Buddies.
Oklahoma! is one of the most well known Rodgers and Hamerstein shows, with some famous musical numbers: 'Oh, What a Beautiful Momin', 'The Surrey With the Fringe On Top' and, of course, 'Oklahoma!' This can often be a difficult production for Youth Theatres to tackle, but no such problems were evident in Oswaldtwistle! From the top of the show, the performers gave their all.
Curly, played by Graeme Moss, had a powerful voice that rang through the
auditorium.
Aunt Eller, performed by Helen Jackson, gave a superb performance, and she
had a glint in her eye that made her a very watchable actress.
Laurey was played by Adele Honeyman, and her dancing and singing talents were a pleasure. Martin Carlton performed the character of Will Parker, and his enthusiasm and 'cheek' endeared him to the audience - I can't help thinking, though, that he enjoyed kissing Ado Annie a little too much!
Special mention must go to Roger Nuttall, who made an excellent appearance as Jud Fry. It is always a pleasure to watch Roger, who must be one of the most prolific performers in our region. Keep it up Roger, and I mean that literally, as he intends to be an airline pilot! What will be aviation's gain will be non-professional theatre's loss! Ado Annie was played very nicely by Rachel Entwistle, and her dichotomy of whether to choose Will or Ali, or any other man close by, was very funny.
Ali Hakim was expertly performed by Stephen Cant, but he quite obviously could! From the minute this young actor walked on stage, I knew we were in safe hands - his delivery, timing and whole demeanour made me think he was far older than his years!
Gertie Cummings was played very well by Kirsty Dwyer, and I enjoyed her performance. Andrew Carnes was performed nicely by Ben Deaville, and I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of this young man in future productions.
Of course, the leading members of the company were supported by an excellent ensemble - well done to you all.
The production team must have worked very hard, especially the choreographer Katie Whittle, who obviously had a background in ballet. The choreography was excellent, and she perfectly matched moves to abilities. The ballet sequence with the female dancers was particularly memorable, as was the showstopper, 'The Farmer and the Cowman'.
Musical Direction by Patricia Tarrant Gaunt, gave the performers confidence,
and it was a delight to see her both playing and conducting - the band was
excellent, but I did feel it could have been given its head a little bit
more in some of the numbers. The band was made up of a good cross section
of older and younger players, which was great to see, too.
David Slater directed the production, and his work with the performers had
most certainly paid off. Accents were good and were maintained throughout,
but poor diction and speedy delivery, in parts, made it difficult to understand
what was being said ... perhaps that was first night nerves, though.
The backstage team worked very hard, too, and the costumes were excellent,
particularly the female dresses, well done.
Make up was good, but please remember guys, one make-up technique does not
fit all ... males do not need to have rosy cheeks, blue eye shadow and red
lipstick any more! Lighting was, on the whole, very good, but a couple of
dark spots, particularly stage right and left, dropped the lead performers
into shadow during some of the scenes. Sound, again, was generally very good,
with just a few minor hitches. Staging was very effective, and the ingenious
use of available space was excellent.
All in all, this was a very energetic and well-choreographed show. Well
done to all concerned - it is great to see so many young people on stage
having a good time, and that is certainly what they did in Ossy!
Andrew Rawlinson
THE ACCRINGTON PALS
Blackburn Arts Club
Director: Brian J Lawson
So to 1914 and a very thought provoking play especially in view of our current climate. The Arts Club delivered and tears were shed. Good performances and an excellent set made for a very good evening.
The girls were fab, bouncing off each other quite magically at times and when they got sloshed. What a laugh! May (Anne Baron) and Eva (Sarah Nolan) Bertha (Andrea Lloyd) and Sarah (Alison Bell, who incidentally had only had 1 WEEK to learn this part, well done) had great rapport and all gave good performances.
Annie (Chryssie Lawton) had a shrill voice! Yes I've heard them when I was growing up and it was quite grating! Her son Reggie (Stephen Cant) did manage to hide occasionally!
Tom, (Neil Proctor) Arthur, (Mike Ashton) and Ralph (Geoff 'I'm a hunk because I bared all' Baron!) all gave good performances as did David Pilkington as CSM Rivers. Not forgetting the serious side and the fate of the Accrington Pals, although funny this was very sad, too
IRA LEVINS DEATHTRAP
Blackburn Arts Club
Director: Mike Ashton
A thriller indeed that kept us all on the edge of our seats until the final curtain. People dying, or not, you never knew who was going to get up and walk away having just been killed!
A very competent cast graced the Arts Club stage and all roles were convincingly played. Geoff Baron, as the rather desperate author, gave a wonderful performance and was complimented, all be it briefly, by Victoria Haworth, as his wife. She dies!
Unknown dramatist Clifford Anderson, played by Paul Heyes, was suitably unstable! Not the most trustworthy of 'buddies', never the less very well played.
A welcome return to the Club for Eddie Hammond, saw him playing Porter Milgrim. Great! Helga ten Dorp the 'Wacko Phsyco' was brilliantly executed by Anne Baron. She gave a touch of comedy and held a superb accent.
Set was excellent, as were sound and lighting and costumes. Well directed by Mike Ashton, this was another good night at the Arts Club.
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
Bacup Amateur Operatic Society
Director: Anthony Williams
Musical Director: Simon C Parker
Seated amongst every single Beaver, Cub, Brownie and Rainbow in the whole of Lancashire, I survived yet another panto! I must just say these children were brilliantly behaved.
Liz Haworth was a smashing Dick Whittington and got the audience going.
Partnered by Gina Lees, as Alice these two were well suited and gave strong
performances. Roger Nuttal, as King Rat, was FAB! His costumes and magic
tricks were very impressive. Catherine Cocklin, as the Fairy was so amusing!
Her broad Lancashire accent had me in stitches.
A charming performance came from Laura Davis as Tommy the Cat, 'Perrrfect'.
Captain Cuttle was well played by Sally Ann Bromley and to make it a family
affair, Grant Bromley played a very good Jack.
The Dame, Sarah the Cook was excellently played by David Rhodes. His costumes were super.
Good set, lights costumes and great support from all other cast members - this was another entertaining night at the Royal Court Theatre.
BRASSED OFF
Blackburn Drama Club
Director: Dorothy Perkins
Advertised as "The live stage version of the popular British Film", popular was indeed an appropriate word to use as this play was a complete sell out for Blackburn Drama Club. Dorothy Perkins did a superb job of directing not only the talented cast, but guiding the Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band through the production, too. What a wonderful collaboration. This was a very powerful play taking us back to the miners strike of 1984/85; it was a very emotional insight into the effect that it had on families.
Bandleader Danny was played strongly by Brian Whittaker. Some of his lines were fantastic and delivery spot on. His son, Phil was played by Wayne Avanson. He gave a good believable performance especially when he was 'playing' his trombone. As his desperately worried wife Sandra, Emma Louise Wood looked and played this role well.
Moments of comedy came from couples Jim and Vera (Eric Nolan and Muriel Eccles) and Harry and Rita (David Batterby and Jean Jones), though not forgetting the underlying seriousness of the situation, both couples were excellent. The 'Jack-the-Lad' role or Andy was played wonderfully by Stephen Derbyshire. His 'Love Interest' being Gloria was quite a revelation. Christina Ogden was very much a find for the Club. They needed a flugelhorn player who was female and could act! Bingo! Never having acted before Christina did an excellent job and could certainly play her horn. Young Graeme Bramwell as Shane also impressed as Phil and Sandra's son Shane.
Costumes were good, as was the simple but effective set. Lighting and sound were, on occasions, a bit dodgy but not too distracting from the plot.
The Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band were super and many shivers were running up and down the spine and a few tears were also shed! This was quite an exceptional evening.
SYLVIA'S WEDDING
Blackburn Drama Club
Directed by Jean Jones
Jimmy Chinn is well known for his observations of northern life and Sylvia's Wedding is no exception. The play centres on Sylvia's pending marriage to Gordon and their respective families' reaction to the news.
As the central character, Sylvia was portrayed very convincingly by, newcomer to the drama club, Karen Lee. She gave a strong, believable performance; very enjoyable to watch. Rob Trethewey played the hapless groom Gordon and Kay Melia the cynical "friend" Yvonne. Shelagh Turner and Isobel Barrett ably played the respective mothers. Playing the outspoken fathers, John Orgill and Bill Walker made up the cast.
At times, the play lacked the pace needed to extract the real humour of the piece and the cast occasionally seemed uncertain of moves, sometimes straying into other "rooms". There were also a couple of uncomfortably long silences.
A well-constructed split set had working appliances and running water, which added authenticity. Lighting was well handled by John Barrett and sound by Wayne Avanson and Simon Barnes.
I attended on the first night of the run so I am sure the play will have become slicker as the week progressed and the actors gained confidence as the audiences showed their appreciation.
Many thanks for making me welcome.
p.s. an excellent and ingenious programme! - Carol Anne Connolly
THE GINGERBREAD LADY
The Burnley Garrick Club
Directed by Dorothy Spencer
I am a great fan of Neil Simon so I was looking forward to seeing this play.
The play centres around Evy Meara, a has-been singer who has been to a rehabilitation clinic to help overcome a heavy drink problem. The play opens with her returning to her apartment and her long-suffering friend Jimmy. The lead role of Evy was played with great confidence by Judith Briscall. She was ably supported by Jackie Catlow, Jamie Smith and Barry Beckett. I was encouraged to see two younger members Rob Bretherton and Helen Simpson. They were both very assured performers and showed great potential.
Lines were said with conviction and without any hint of uncertainty from the whole cost. Direction was slick and the play maintained a good pace throughout.
Strangely, the furniture used didn't seem to match either the period or the setting.
After the interval I moved to the front seats, which allowed me to overcome the acoustic problems inherent in the theatre, and certainly helped my enjoyment of what is an intimate play. Many thanks to all concerned. - Carol Anne Connolly
HARVEY
The Burnley Garrick Club
Directed by John Cummings
Harvey is a seldom performed play more widely known as a film starring James Stewart and an invisible giant rabbit. I was interested to see how this potentially difficult storyline would transfer from screen to stage. For me it met with mixed success. The stage crew worked very hard to make set changes as slick as possible and with a little more imagination these could have been kept to a minimum. 30 minutes of theatrical endeavour can be lost if an audience is "let off the hook" for 2 minutes.
Alan Hargreaves in the lead role of Elwood P. Dowd gave an excellent, assured performance, as always, putting his own individual stamp on a very well known role.
The rest of the cast worked as hard as they could with a somewhat dated script, though I felt one or two performers' interpretation of their character went a little "over the top" in what is billed as a comedy, not a farce. Perhaps clearer direction would have led to a more consistent approach.
Despite my reservations, the night I attended the audience appeared to
enjoy the production.
Carol Anne Connoll
THE GONDOLIERS
Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Directed and Choreographed by Hazel Maxfield
Musical Direction by Chris Walker
Assisted by Jonathan Scadding
This was the society's 40th production in its 40th year, so many congratulations.
This was a very well directed production and movement was fluid. I really must congratulate the chorus. They members sang beautifully, (lots of pleasant memories of school productions of other G & S shows!) and were supported by an excellent orchestra.
The Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro were comically played and well sung by Rodney Roberts and Jose Bulcock. Their daughter, Casilda, was wonderful. Carole Scadding has the voice of an angel. Beautiful. The Gondoliers were both well played by Jim Lancaster (Marco) and Jonathan Scadding (Giuseppe). They were well partnered by Claire Eddleston (Gianetta) and local favourite, Brenda Murray (Tessa). Anthony Flanagan suitably played the role of The Grand Inquisitor, Don Alhambra Del Bolero. Brilliant! It so nice to see him back in musicals. As Luiz, Francis Bolton and the rest of the cast impressed.
A good production. Many thanks for the warm welcome.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Burnley Pantomime Society
Entire Production and Company Movement under Direction of Howard G. Raw
A milestone for this society as they reach their Silver Jubilee. Many Happy Returns!
A very lively panto from this company. Good dancing, singing, acting, plenty of laughs and audience participation. All the required ingredients of a good family night out. However ... I must point out that a few of the jokes were just a bit too close to the bone for younger members of the audience.
Good performances came from Stephen Dixon, as King Rat, very punky and
scary. The two fairies, Dumb Bell, Anne Pickles, and Bow Bells, Stephanie
Morville both bounced nicely off each other and what a smashing voice Stephanie
has.
Dick's cat, with attitude and style, was wonderfully played by Sally Hindle.
Great! Dick was ably played by Louise Tattersall and well partnered by Kerry
White as Alice.
Dennis Royle as Captain Cuttle was a hoot! His 'three' legs were very amusing!
Howard Raw was Sarah the Cook. Very amusing and women would kill for a pair
of legs like his! All other supporting roles were well played.
Lighting, sound, costumes and set were all super. Musically directed by Joe Winkley, this was a good night.
NATURAL CAUSES
Colne Dramatic Society
Director: Mark Storton
Another new company to join NODA and region 3. Welcome.
What a fantastic script this was and so well and comfortably executed by a strong cast. ALL were super and I don't feel I can or even want to do the 'Who's best' thing.
Congratulations to Alan Bailey, Giles Williams Beverly McClelland Lynne Atkinson and Paul McKiernan. Excellent performances from each and every-one.
The set, on this tiny stage, was great sound and lighting complimented it nicely. Well directed by Mark Storton this was an amusing night.
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
Colne Operatic Society
Director: Stephen Burrows
Musical Director: Joe Winkley - with his Hippodrome Hoe-Downers Band
Choreographer: Vicky Royle
I really did not know what to expect from this show. I knew nothing about
it and I hadn't even seen the film.
What a fantastic night! I came out quite light-headed! Brilliant! I hope
to see this in the region again soon!
A large cast saw some excellent performances. Well choreographed numbers by Vicky Royle and a fab Band - The Hippodrome Hoe-Downers!
As Miss Mona Stangley, Susan Dinsdale was excellent. She could have quite easily come from Texas with that drawl. Steve Royle as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd also gave a strong performance.
Others worthy of a mention (It was a large cast remember so if you're not mentioned don't get upset, it's a 'space' thing!) All the girls. They were fab and sex appeal was evident! Well done to Wendy Ranwell, (Jewel) Julie Arkwright, (Shy) Sue Pieri-Davis, (Angel) Vicky Royel (Ginger) and Angela Foulds (Linda Lou).
Loads-a-laughs came from Stephen Wharf as the Governor in 'The Sidestep' and even more came when Melvin P. Thorpe arrived on stage. Kevin Riley was an absolute scream.
The fellas did their bit too and some chests were bared during 'The Aggies Song'! All other cast members are to be congratulated.
A good production team and very effective set to me equalled a good night out.
GUYS & DOLLS
Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: Alan T. Miller
Musial Director: Roger Purcell
Choreographer: Anne Grogan
A very enjoyable and lively production by this society in their 40th year. Costumes were magnificent. So colourful. Set was minimal and very effective; it also housed the orchestra on stage. This was very striking during the Hot-Box scenes as a silver curtain was flown in behind them. Simple but effective. Great!
The lead role of Sky was in the capable hands of Brian Haworth who delivered lines and songs with ease. His love, Sarah Brown, was, I believe, a newcomer Suesi Windle. She did very well but seemed to struggle on occasions with some of the high notes in her songs. Dawn Elliot was an excellent dippy Adelaide and Gary Worthy gave a good performance as Nathan Detroit. Roger Dugdale as Arvide Abernathy sang 'More I Cannot Give You' brilliantly.
Humour came in the form of David Hulme (Nicely - Nicely Johnson) Tom Garner (Benny Southstreet), Daryl Dewhurst (Rusty Charlie), Tony Fry (Harry The Horse) and Bill Taylor (Big Jule).
The Mission Band, all who played their own instruments were good as were
the Hot-Box Girls. Ladies and mens chorus.
This was a well-directed, well-choreographed and well musically directed
production.
It held my interest and I left very happy
CALAMITY JANE
Pepperpot Hill Theatre Group
Director: Angela Lucas
Musical Director: Adi Smethurst
Welcome to Region 3 and what a breath of fresh air! I have to say there is some serious competition here for the rest of the region. At last a talented group of leads that can all sing and act, have men (novel!) that can multi-task i.e. move and sing at the same time, good production, fabulous accompanying music that is not deafening you and age appropriate casting.
Angela Lucas played Calamity Jane and she filled the whole stage. Never once dropped her accent (nor did the entire cast) and sang wonderfully. Nigel Duckworth as Wild Bill Hickcock ably supported her and also gave a superb performance. Andy Tierney was something special as Danny Gilmartin, such a magnificent singer, and as his love Katie Brown, Vicky Rothwell excelled.
The brief appearance of Adelaide Adams had the audience spellbound. Paula Walsh has a fantastic voice and her rendition of 'It's Harry I'm Planning To Marry' was brilliant! A saucy performance came from Gavin Taylor as Francis Fryer. Quite the little mover! Henry Miller (Fran Eyer) and Susan Miller (Lisa Watson) were super, as was the rest of the supporting cast.
Musical Director Adi Smethurst performed the entire score on two synths. It was super. I wish you all well in your future adventures and can't wait to return next year.
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre
Producer: Andrew Scott Musical Director: Lisa Manley
This youth group is to be commended highly for coping so well with a difficult musical score. Not the easiest to perform.
The three children were excellent. Well done Jessica Foxley (Cathy), Alice
Turner (Nan) and Gareth Kirkbright (Charles).
Auntie and Dad were also well played by Helen Spencer and Richard Plummer.
The Man, played by Oliver Foxley, was very good and had a good singing voice.
All the other cast members worked hard.
Set, costumes and lighting were effective but sound was something to be desired.
The Pendle Youth Orchestra supported the cast excellently and MD Lisa Manley is to be congratulated. Well done!
FORCE OF DESTINY
Pendle Opera
Producer: James Ogden
Musical Director: Geoffrey Lovett ARMCM
A first for this well established Opera Company. The Force of Destiny had never been performed before in Burnley and they did a very good job of this Verdi opera about a tale of tragic intrigue in which a curse takes its long-range effect.
Brian Gott played the Marchese Du Calatrava although brief he impressed. His daughter, Donna Leonora di Vargas was beautifully and confidently sung by Stella Whitehouse. John Garrett gave a splendid performance as Don Carlos di Vargas. Peter Ruane superbly performed the role of Don Alvaro on the evening I attended.
The role of gypsy, Preziosilla was played by Jean Mitchell and she the led the chorus in an excellent rendition of the Rat-A-Plan chorus.
All other minor supporting roles where good and the chorus were vocally strong and harmonised beautifully.
A minimalist set, good sound, lights, costumes and an excellent orchestra, this was a good evening's entertainment.
THE REMARKABLE MR. PENNYPACKER
The Rossendale Players
Director: Stanley Whittaker
A cast of 19! And all fitting on the intimate stage at The New Millennium Theatre. This was a well-directed and very funny play. Glad to see the player's back to the standard I have come to expect from them.
The Pennypacker children were fantastic and well drilled! Laurie (Soraya Mafi), Kate (Claire Morgan), Ben (Alexander Marlow), David (Darius Mafi), Edward (Jordan Goldsworthy), Elizabeth (Bronwen Evans) Henry (John Moorehead) and Teddie (Joel Brown were great. Penny Griffin was a good Mum and loyal wife and dealt with the shock of 'The Other Family' situation very well! A good performance.
Grampa played by Roy Preston was an absolute hoot! As was Dr Fifield (Brian Carter). His son was also very good. Wilbur, played by Chris Watts. Aunt Jane was well played by Christine Durkin.
All other roles were well played and costumes were super. The set was excellent and well lit. Well done.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
St Mary's Panto Group
Producer: Jackie Henderson
Another panto society that has a birthday. This time it's 35 years! Many Happy Returns.
Before I start this crit I'm going to get the negative bit out of the way first! It's only one point but I do feel that I should draw attention to it. It was far too long. I know we can all get a wee bit carried away and we want to be fair to everyone involved but 7.00pm-10.00pm is a long time.
That said it was a very happy panto with lots of 'Ah!' factor. The Dancers were great. The choreography, done by Joanne Scholes and Kerry White, was super and maturely delivered by a good team.
All Principals were good. Worthy of a mention though is Olga Pong, played by Rachel Entwistle, Gormless, Simon Peter Flanagan, Queen Gigglebelly, Adele Honeyman and Princess Beauty, Amanda Rostron.
All well supported by Infant, Junior and Senior chorus's, great backstage staff and loads of parents. Thank you for the flowers.
SOUTH PACIFIC
St Stephen's Players
I would imagine that, to put a show on in a school hall with all its inherent problems, would take Herculean efforts on the part of the actors, musicians, backstage staff and the front of house team. To St Stephens great credit these problems were dealt with as though the school hall was their own theatre and every member of the cast and crew contributed to a delightful evening.
The packed audience enjoyed some truly sparkling performances, especially from Elaine Taberner as Nellie Forbush who tackled the part with great gusto and impressed with both her acing and singing, possibly the best Nellie Forbush I've seen, and Keith Pounder who gave a great comic turn as the scheming Luther Billis and had the audience in stitches during "Honeybun".
The part of the suave Emilie was played by John Ormerod and I'm sure I heard a few of the ladies in the audience give a sigh after his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening". Ann Alcock as Bloody Mary also performed with a lot of humour and her "Bali Ha'i" sent shivers through the audience. The role of Lt. Cable proved difficult for St. Stephen's to fill but luckily Philip Chew (St. Stephen's Vicar) stepped in and saved the day and proved to be a very able Cable.
The chorus provided great back up and danced and sung very well having been
choreographed by Rachel Rogers.
Credit must be given to Brian J Townend who directed the piece with flair
and was also the musical director marshalling his orchestra to great effect.
I have to say that a 14 piece orchestra in a school hall should, by rights,
drown the cast out but Brian kept a rein on things and the level, and playing,
were never short of excellent.
This was my first visit to St. Stephen's and I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. - Paul McGowen
PANTO AT THE OK CORRAL
St Thomas' Players
Director: Pete Astbury
Musical Director: Marjorie Astbury
And so to the Old Wild West and the final panto of the season! We arrive in Deadwood Gulch and meet the Towns Folk, Indians and Prospectors all in good voice and enjoying themselves. In the Saloon we meet up with Diamond Lil, (Carole Vizzard) Buttons (Hannah Allsop) and Bows (Vicky Howarth) all played well.
Dame Winnie Peg, (Christopher Gariff) and family Calamity Jane (Katie Jicks) and James the Jessie (Chris Lawton) gave good performances, but I must say that Chris was so natural and enjoyable to watch. Their horse Lighting (Rachel Garlick and Danielle Maden) give a cheeky performance!
Baddie, Sheriff Smallholding was suitable horrible and his deputies Butch Casserole (Lise Greenwood) and Sun-Tanned Kid (Vicky Marsh) were hilarious. I congratulate Vicky for carrying on when her moustache was falling off! An amusing Indian, Running Bear (George Garlick), funny Buffalo Bill (Brian Till), cute Goldie Nuggetts (Alex Brown), a stern Clint Westwood (Craig Winters), excellent set and one of the best blackouts I've seen for the UV scene made this a good night.
MR WONDERFUL
Todmorden Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: Andrew Rawlinson
I have not been disappointed in Todmorden yet and this was another production that left me giggling to myself for the rest of the week! A strong cast, great script, fantastic set and excellent direction left me in no doubt that this company accept nothing but the best in all areas.
Norma, played by Andrea Dinsdale, was great as the woman looking for that
real love by going on blind dates. The first one we see her with is Mr Box,
(Michael Holloway) who is the most boring person in the world and has a fascination
for screws! I'm sure you can imagine the script for this - it was hilarious.
A drunk then tries to 'trap' her; this played by David Winslow. Then we meet
'The One' George Lazenby (Michael Church-Taylor) who turns out to be a serial
blind dater! He whisks her off her feet, takes her cherry and then because
of a mobile phone, Norma finds out just what he is like.
Norma has a Mum, Phoebe Green (Sheila Howarth) who is bedridden and spends
her time watching TV snuggling up to her large Teddy, Mr Wonderful, and eating
'licoarse allsorts' (miss spelling intended!) She is a really funny character
and Sheila delivered her lines brilliantly.
Somewhere in all this Norma has a date with Lop Wink! (Michael Gill). He turns up in cycling gear and ends up telling her what he likes doing in secluded dark lanes at night! And we see this on stage!
So I'd be careful next time you go to Todmorden. Not only do they put on excellent productions but also cyclists can occasionally be seen in dark lanes wearing only jock straps and throwing talcum powder over themselves!
HONK!
The Todmorden Hippodrome Youth Theatre
Production Team: Helen Clarkson, Andrew Rawlinson, Rachel Rogers
What a magical experience this night was! A very competent and talented cast graced the Hippodrome stage. ALL are to be commended.
The role of Ugly was superbly played by Mike Lawless and his doting Mum Ida by Jodie Haughton. Joel Whitham was good as Drake and Emily Demkowicz-Bentley as Cat was fab! I can't possibly mention all the characters individually, but congratulate all that were part and parcel of the farmyard!
Set and lights were good; sound, however, was not too good and at times I did struggle and missed dialogue. ostumes were exceptional.
With the fine production team of Andrew Rawlinson and Rachel Rogers, MD Helen Clarkson and plenty of support from the adult company, this was a fantastic night.