May 2003 - Region 10 - Peter Hendren
BY ROYAL COMMAND
Carlisle Musical Society
An interesting peg on which to hang a very fine compilation concert. It featured the life and times of our Queen and the popular songs of each phase of her life. The scene was embellished with a crystal clear commentary from Val Armstrong, a BBC Radio Cumbria announcer, and there were interesting pictures of the royals in scenes of their lives, projected on a large screen to one side of the stage. A goodly part of the huge Sands Centre was well filled for this charity concert being sponsored by the local paper.
On the stage the production was in the hands of Harry King (again a professional media man), and Janice Jackson the effervescent pocket powerhouse as M. D.
The evening started with a bang with the Cliff Eland Big Band doing Glenn Miller favourites. Then into the singers from the Society. M.D. Janice had cleverly arranged and orchestrated the songs and choruses. The local 'character' Donald Scott entertained, and the star of the evening was Ida-Maria Turri, who was born in Carlisle and was well known in the area in her formative years. Eventually she graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music into the world of opera. Now she is living in Italy doing freelance work in opera and the concert stage. Her songs still followed the royal nostalgia themes and were selections from Ivor Novello and My Fair Lady numbers.
The evening ended with a choral version of the 'National Anthem', and 'Land of Hope and Glory' led by the magnificent powerful mezzo of Ida-Maria.
Being "professionally" produced, the show was seamless in its execution, and the well drilled cast was to be greatly admired for its dedication for only a 'one-night stand'. Very well done indeed Carlisle Musical Society - thank you!
THE MIKADO
Penrith Savoyards
A vastly entertaining production of The Mikado from Penrith Savoyards! Doyen of G & S, Stephen Thompson both directed and starred as Ko-Ko and did excellently in both roles. This was a well cast show and all the words and songs were put over tellingly, moving the plot along well.
Stephen as Ko-Ko bouncy, frantic and mock pathetic by turns, and easily
captured the sympathies of the audience. I liked his "Little List"
song immensely as well as the little extra touches he added right through
the performance.
All the other male principals were soundly supportive and strong. Shani D'Cruze
was an appealing Yum-Yum, and her soaring voice topped off the choral pieces
wonderfully. Her solo of "The Sun whose Rays"
was masterly. The sisters, too, were most helpful and showed great teamwork.
Joan Heslop made a fearsome Katisha - well played.
The chorus was always active and sang melodiously in the ensemble numbers. Mike McNally, the MD, set excellent tempi throughout to match the singers, and had a fine control of his forces. The quartet and quintet in Act 2 were especially well done.
With good costumes and sets, a director full of interesting surprises - but still a traditional G & S production - this was a superb evening's entertainment. Well done, Penrith Savoyards
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Workington Amateur Musical Society
Another tightly controlled show from Producer Bob Holliday. Chorus movement and dancing was interesting and different with unusual rhythms, but was always well done thanks to Catherine Holliday and Louise Ray.
I liked the playing of Robinson Crusoe (Debbie Gilmour) and Rosie (Claire Ferguson). They were a well matched pair in speech, singing and dancing.
At times the 'mikes' were not quite up to it with the smaller parts, which marred an otherwise excellent panto.
Teamwork was very evident, and this spirit can only be good for the society as a whole. Following a leaner spell the society is looking good and with talent like this they deserve to succeed. I'm quite sure they will!
CABARET
Whitehaven A.O.S.
An interesting and adventurous choice, which by and large came off well. Horrendous scene changes are needed every few minutes, and with limited stage facilities, could only be done by blackouts and swiftly moving stage workers and cast alike!
The show opened with Christian Dawson as Em-Cee of the Kit Kat Klub, and he immediately set a superb standard with "Willkommen". He played this outrageously camp role with polish and aplomb. Then came Lisa Anderson as Sally Bowles, who also shone in her bouncy role. She had grace, style and supreme confidence for this brash, yet occasionally tender part. Her parting with Ray Casson as Cliff was poignant in the extreme. All the remaining principals were well cast, and a good sense of "cast enjoyment" came over even though the show has its sadder and darker moments.
M.D. Joan Morris kept the musical numbers flowing, and the two pianists, John Morris and Ted Robertson, were excellent in the difficult and demanding Kander music. The casting quality made up for the scene changes and producer, Geoff Hubbard, can be well pleased with having created good theatre for the people of Whitehaven.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Whitehaven Theatre Group
The new 'first time" producer was Yvonne Chapman, who is well known to local audiences over many years. This was an excellent start to the skills of production as it involved a large cast, lots of effects and an audience hungry for good entertainment.
In the story I liked the playing of Jayne Vincent (Alice) and Ann Wilson (Dick) not forgetting his cat played by Sophie Vincent (Tommy). All the lesser parts were competently played, so that the story flowed along well. The effects were spectacular and magical especially the underwater scene with U.V. lighting and fluorescent costumes. This is what youngsters will remember for many a year! However, the stage limitations were evident especially after this scene, as the very next one was the Sultan's Palace scene which also needed considerable setting. Thus the pace dropped between changes.
Dancing from the myriad girls was quite excellent using the stage well, and their Christmassy outfits were most appealing, as were all the costumes.
Lighting was sympathetic to the vagaries of the plot where needed, and being "miked up", the principals could deliver every word of the story. The songs were the mixtures of the latest pops, and were well put over by the lively chorus. Great entertainment!