Year

May 2004 - Region 3 - Amanda Watmough

CINDERELLA

Bacup Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society

Director: Greg Sherrington
Musical Director: Paul Swales
Choreographer: Janice Purslow

This was a super night at the Royal Court. A Panto with all the ingredients blending well together, a strong production team and a cast that were quite clearly enjoying themselves, in turn as the audience, so were we.
Some excellent performances came from Catherine Cocklin as Cinderella and Hazel Mrozek as Prince Charming. This was Hazel's first leading role; I hope we see more of her. Well Done.
Maxi Mum and Minnie Mum, the ugly sisters were brilliantly played by Kenneth Marshall and David Rhodes, bringing some good slapstick comedy to the proceedings.
Dandini and choreography was well played and put
together by Janince Purslow. As Buttons, Roger Nuttall gave a lively performance and kept the audience on their toes.
The Baron and Baroness were well played by Simon Pierce and Paul Higginbottom, what a good team!
The cast was well supported by chorus and dancers, a super set, good costume and a good selection of music.
Well Done BAODS! I'm so glad to see you back on track.

TWELFTH NIGHT

Burnley Garrick Club

Director John Cummings

I write this with great pleasure! Those of you, who know me well, will also know my opinion of 'The Bard'! I have to say this production was quite something. The set, lighting, special effects, sound effects, costumes, music and direction were excellent.
The standard was maintained throughout, as the performances were superb.
Anthea Carpenter gave a fluid performance going from Viola to Cesario with ease. As Orsino, Alan Hargreaves was comfortable and his performance was solid.
Susan Mullan was super as Maria; she brought the comedy of the role out well. Alan Bailey as Sir Toby Belch, was hilarious, such a seasoned performer. Philip Hindle also gave a super performance. His Sir Andrew Aguecheek was simply fantastic.
Another good performance came from Adrian Hartley. His portrayal of Malvolio was very funny.
Feste, The Fool was well played by John Cummings. He is to be congratulated on his production.
Other roles to acknowledge are Olivia (Lynne Cummings) and Sebastian (Steve Grist) both gave good performances.
Well done to all involved with this production. It was a pleasure to have been there to witness the big changes at The Garrick.

DEAD OF NIGHT

Rossendale Players

Director: Colin Braidford

An excellent set greeted me at The New Millennium Theatre, something I've come to expect. This production had a problem when the leading man stepped down with only three days to go. Their director Colin Braidford took on the role. When I saw it on the Thursday night of the run, it all went very smoothly.

Samantha Payne, played the role of Maggie. She gave a good performance. Michelle Arthur also performed well. Both ladies are new to the Players.

As Dennis, Mark Storton was great. He had some good lines and delivered them well. As Jack, who has pages of dialogue, Colin Braidford showed his vast experience served him well taking on a role at such short notice. His performance was super.
Occasionally a bit static, but I don't suppose there's much you can do on a living room set, and surprisingly no drunks in view of the amount drunk!

This was a good night.

TREASURE ISLAND

St Thomas's Players

Director: Pete Astbury
Musical Director: Marjorie Astbury
Choreography: Eve Taylor

This group work very hard. The facilities that they have available to them are not like the theatres that some of the region's societies have access to. Everything is 'home grown' from costumes to scenery'. This is what it's all about to me, getting stuck in!

This panto was super. Lots of energy and laughs. I'm not doing 'Who's Best' as EVERYONE involved gave their all. Good choice of music and a super UV scene, again with a fantastic blackout, made this a good night. Well done everyone.

ROMEO AND JULIET

Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre

Director: Carol Squire
Musical Director: Margaret Greenwood
Choreoghrpher: Vicky Royle

I'm getting very brave! My second helping of 'The Bard' in one season! Nevertheless, an excellent production. Easy to follow and in language that all the children could relate to, this 'Shakespeare 4 Kidz script was good. The music also memorable had my foot tapping!

This is a great bunch of kids and their enthusiasm showed as they performed. All were clearly enjoying themselves.

In the leading roles, Lisa Patel as Juliet and Oliver Foxley as Romeo, gave good mature performances and both sang well. As Juliet's Nurse, Evonne Beardsworth was a scream, her song; 'I'm Juliet's Nurse' was exceptional and had the audience in tucks!

Another performance to 'rave' about was James Bateman's portrayal of Friar Lawrence. He was brilliant. His song 'Magic potion Blues' backed by the other Monks also had us splitting our sides! Two very talented youngsters.

A menacing performance was given by Arron Jones as Tybalt. Lord and Lady Capulate were well played by Tommy Clough and Colette Sumton as were Lord and Lady Montague also well played by Adam Rickwood and Charis Deighton.

Mercutio, Benvolio, Paris and The Prince were all well executed by Christopher Thompson, Craig Jackson, Charlie Clough and Simon Jackson.

Other minor roles and chorus also did well. Set, Sound, lights, costumes, choreography and music were all good. A well-directed and thoroughly enjoyable evening.

BORN YESTERDAY

Burnley Garrick Club

Director: Martin Chadwick

A slow start to this play but it did pick up in the second Act and I'm sorry, your prompt is to be congratulated, as she was very much in evidence. Well done, Kath Hall.

Having said that, a good set greeted us on the opening of the curtains. It was well lit and dressed.
Performances were good. Anne E.Chadwick was super as Billie Dawn and maintained her accent well throughout. She had some great lines and delivered them with aplomb.

As her 'Partner' Harry Brock, David Kendrick also gave a good performance. Giles Williams as Paul Verrall gave a good strong performance, as did Steve Grist as Eddie Brock.

Nice to see an intake of youth to the Garrick, well done to Rosie, Kayley and Nicola.
All other roles were played well. Good direction by Martin Chadwick made this a good night.

BRIGADOON

Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society

Director: Barbara Simpson
Musical Director: Roger Purcell
Choreographer. Anne Grogan

Another production with a cast of thousands! So please forgive me if I don't mention everyone. Collectively, the entire cast worked well together and were clearly enjoying themselves.
I do like the production of Brigadoon and have been hoping a society would do it for a while, so with another two productions going on in the region I'm being spoilt!
I felt this production dragged. The lively 'Bits' were lively but the 'Bits' in-between dragged. Was this concentration on accents? I'm not sure.

As Tommy Albright, Brian Haworth gave a good performance as did his 'other half' Lesley who did a good job of Fiona MacKeith. Suesi Windle was a sweet Jean MacKeith and Mike McKeown as her betrothed; Charlie Cameron also gave a good performance. Samantha Smith gave a good performance as Meg Brockie, but I felt she could have gone OTT as the man-eater!

The choreography, by Anne Grogan, was super, and this came to show more when the Sword Dancers came on stage. They were excellent.

Roger Purcell fielded a good orchestra, although there were times when they were a little bit over enthusiastic and drowned out the singers.

All other supporting roles were good as was direction. A welcome return of an old favourite.

THE SORCERER

Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society

Direction and Choreography: Hazel Maxfield
Musical Director: Julia Killick

This was an excellent production. Well-lit, good sound, super costumes and a brilliant set.
A seasoned cast of chorus and principals delighted the audience at the Thwaites Theatre, the first time a musical has been performed here in 25 years.

Top performances came from Anthony Flanagan as Sir Marmaduke, Jim Lancaster as Alexis, Rodney Roberts as Dr Daly and Jonathan Scadding as The Notary.

The Ladies also impressed congratulations go to Irene Kennedy as Lady Sangazure, Carole Scadding as Aline, Brenda Murray as Mrs Partlet and Kath Rand as Constance.
Young Roger Nuttall keeps 'popping' up all over the region! His performance as John Wellington Wells was exceptional. He is going from strength to strength. Well-done! (I enjoyed the very effective magic tricks.)

Well directed by Hazel Maxfield and Musically Directed by Julia Killick this was a splendid night.

ANYTHING GOES

Pepperpot Hill Amateur Theatre Group

Director and Staging of Musical Numbers: Angela Lucas
Musical Direction: Adi Smethurst

In their second year together this company are maintaining the standard they set themselves last year. I was looking forward to this production and I was not disappointed.

In the lead role of Reno Sweeney, Vicky Rothwell was simply superb. She is a very natural performer and can sing brilliantly. As Billy Crocker, Peter Hardy also gave a super performance. His voice is just beautiful. Fran Eyer had us in stitches with his characterisation of Moonface Martin and his song 'Be Like a Bluebird' was brilliant.
Andy Tierney did not disappoin Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. and his song 'The Gypsy in Me' was super. His sidekick, Erma played by Angela Lucas, also delivered a strong performance.

I can't possible mention everyone, but this was a well cast production and all gave their 'all'.
The set was good and well lit. Not difficult to miss much in this intimate theatre so sound good too.
Music in the capable hands of Adi Smethurst, this . an exellent night. (PS. Did I see a naked man run across the stage?!)

PARDON ME PRIME MINSTER

Colne Dramatic Society

Director: John Edwards

Great to see this play again and it doesn't age! A super workable set with all the right trimmings and good direction, this was a great night.

As The Rt Hon. George Venables, M.P. Stephen Dixon was super and gave a strong performance as did his assistant Rodney Campell played by Matt Leedam. The Rt Hon. Hector Cramond, M.P. played by Tim Cockroft was super and when he was referred to as a 'Rampant Celtic Casanova' I nearly tell off my seat!

All the ladies were super and I'm sure turned a few of the chap's heads in the audience. M & S must have done a roaring trade in underwear sales!

Again I find it difficult to do 'Who's Best' with this company as the standard never slips and they always go up a step with every new production. Excellent.

WEDDING OF THE YEAR

Blackburn Arts Club

Director: Andrew F. Bell

What a super play and an excellent production, it had the audience in fits of laughter. I could have gone to see it again! A very strong cast and some wonderful performances took place on a super set.

As Ethel Murchinson, Anne Baron was great. Her friend Peggy Ramskill, Cryssie Lawton, also gave a good performance. What a snob! As Ethel's admirer, Walter Thornton, David Pilkington played his role well. As Ethel's brother, Frank, Geoff Baron thrilled us with his comic timing. The clumsy and accident prone Melvyn Thornton, Jonathan Mallison was quite hilarious. Designer Harry Elphinstone was amusingly played by Michael New and a bit of class was added to the proceedings by Judith Clare who splendidly played Priscilla Murchinson.

The 'Aunts' were simply fantastic! Played by Jean Ratcliffe (Honoria Murchinson) and Pat Tann (Matilda Murchinson).

I must congratulate Andrea Lloyd. Her performance was excellent. As the young girl who thinks she's too fat and will be left on the shelf, she did a super job.

A fantastic night at the Arts Club.

AN EVENING WITH GARY LINEKER

Blackburn Drama Club

Director: Carol-Anne Connolly

A super production well directed by Carol-Anne Connolly, her first here at the drama club. Let's hope it's not her last. A good workable set greeted us, did I smell muscle balm at one point? Everything about this production was in keeping with football. The programme included.

Performances came good and strong. After a two year absence, Debbie Mitchell returned and gave a super and natural performance as Monica. As her husband Bill, Clive Stack was quite brilliant and together with his 'mate' Dan, behaved like the typical football supporter does! Dan, Steven Derbyshire, gave a usual class performance. As Ian, who is not really into the beautiful game, Rob Trethewey had me in stitches. Or was it his shorts? Nevertheless he gave a strong performance.
Birgitta was played well by Heidi Needham. Her German accent was well maintained through out.

Lights were a bit dodgy the night I was there and I know Carol-Anne was pulling her hair out! Not to worry I saw everything!!

THE TALES OF HOFFMANN

Pendle Opera

Director: Stella Kelsall
Musical Director: James Newby

Three Tales as told by a cynical and depressed Hoffmann who decides to justify his melancholy state by telling of the three loves of his past.

A well cast production; we see and hear some beautiful performances throughout the entire Opera.
Congratulations to the ladies: - Sue Morena (Nicklaus), Cathleen Foster (Olympia), Jean Mitchell (Guiletta), Stella Whithouse (Antonia) and Beverley Shuttleworth (Antonia's Mother).
And to the Gentlemen: Peter Clements (Hoffmann) Stephen Dixon (Councillor Lindor), Jin Ogden (Coppelius and Schlemil), Peter Wilson (Dapertutto), Adrian Thomson (Dr. Miracle), Brian Townend (Spalanzani and Pitichinaccio) and Brian Gott (Crespel and Herman).

Well directed in all areas this was a good night at the Opera.

TRIAL BY JURY

Accrington Theatre Group

Director: David Slater
Musical Director: Matthew Drury

My favourite G & S. I know all the words from beginning to end! Glad to see it 'aired' again.

A small cast that did it justice not missing out on any of the humour. Excellent performances too. The first chuckle moment was when Sir Rupert D'Oyley Ragge introduced the show. Tony Lewis is a card! It got better. David Slater was a superb Judge and his Usher played by Roger Nuttall also impressed. As Counsel for the Plaintiff David Hulme sang beautifully.

The Defendant, played by Adam Whittle conducted himself rather well. Adam gave a relaxed performance and appeared comfortable in this role. His best performance to date. Lorna Wilkinson did a splendid job as the Plaintiff. As a punk/Goth she sang and performed confidently.

A good performance short but sweet was given by Matthew Robinson as the Foreman to the Jury. Jurymen and Bridesmaids supported well and all were well accompanied by M.D Matthew Drury.

A super show.

H.M.S. PINAFORE

Accrington Theatre Group 'Buddies'

Director: David Slater
Musical Director: Matthew Drury

I've said before that if a youth group can confidently do G & S they can do most things in the theatre. Well, there should be no stopping 'Buddies' in the future. This was a super production, well cast and thoroughly enjoyable. The set was good and made by the company. Costumes, lighting, sound and props all complimented.

Michael Gumm played a super Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. He sang, performed well and relayed the humour. Captain Corcoran was played by Marlin Carlton, again another good performance. As Ralph Rackshaw, Graeme Moss impressed although at times I found his diction a little unclear.

The young ladies as sisters, cousins and aunts and Sailors all sang very well and the harmonies were beautiful. Natalie Graham played Little Buttercup brilliantly. Her voice and acting was wonderful. She really bought this character to life. As did Emma Coffey. She was very demur as Josephine. Her voice was truly something special. Such talent.

I give a special mention to Ross Johnson. He has been with 'Buddies' for years and has grown with them. His characterisation of Dick Deadeye was brilliant! Well done Ross!

As I said above, this was a super production. Well done to all the production team.

ANNIE

Colne Operatic Society

Director: Stephen Burrows
Musical Director: Lisa Manley

Again an old favourite that is always nice to see. A super orchestra and direction made this a good night but, I did feel at times it was a little static. The 'Kids' were smashing. They sang and acted their heads out. A mention for Hannah Belshaw Royle. She was charming as Molly.

Annie was confidently and maturely played by Jessica Hemmingway. She was lovely to watch and sang well. Kevin Rawcliffe did a fine job of Oliver Warbucks as did Penelope Hall as Grace Farrell.
Jackie Catlow as Miss Hannigan did not quite pull it off for me. Her performance was good and she sang well but I felt that she was not 'rough or drunk' enough.

Other's worthy of a mention are Mark Brady (Rooster), Lindsey Spencer (Lily), Brian Bird (F D.R), David Hargreaves (Drake/Bed Healy), Fiona Thompson, Karin Wilson and Rosemary Osborne (Boylan sisters) and Samson aka Sandy.

Well supported by a good chorus, set, props and sound this was a good night.

P.S. I know you were very disappointed with your local paper's coverage of your production. Sometimes people forget that you all give up your time freely, don't always have the resources that other groups have may that be people power, finances or premises. Your audience are your biggest crit's and we know that you have loads of support at the Hippodrome. Long may it continue.

IN CELEBRATION

Burnley Garrick Club

Director: Barbara Simpson

A very wordy and at times funny play. The highs and lows of emotional turmoil came across very well. The Club fielded a very strong cast and all worked well together.

As Mr and Mrs Shaw, Kathleen Riley and David Lloyd complimented each other well. Their three sons were all well cast and turned in good strong performances. Well done to Alan Hargreaves (Andrew), Mark Storton (Cohn) and Steve Grist (Steven).

As a friend of the family, Martin Chadwick appeared to enjoy his role of Reardon. A touch of humour was injected by Pat Chadwick whose performance as everybody's nosey neighbour Mrs Burnett was very amusing.

A good set greeted us as usual so making it a good night.

SNOW WHITE

Burnley Pantomime Society

Bumley Pantomime Society's production of Snow White had two very obvious pluses in its favour — great energy and a great cast who were very obviously enjoying themselves. The scenery was excellent and smoothly changed, the costumes were wonderful, adding a professional style to an amateur production, allowing the cast to concentrate on providing a large audience with a quality show.

Howard Raw not only directed but also took on the role of Mrs McDonald, the Glaswegian Dame with some natty chat up lines although if she offered to kiss you — refuse! Howard had a wonderful rapport with the audience and was ably supported by Neil Tranmer, playing Wot her son, and David Fowell as Lester the Jester who was the butt of the McDonalds' jokes. Both Neil and David were very
funny and sustained their roles well.

Snow White was played by Maria Masterson who not only looked just right but acted and sang the role wonderfully. Sally Hindle as Queen Eldread was marvellous giving the part all the venom and spite an ageing beauty would especially to an up and coming rival. King Hector her henpecked husband was played by Peter Morville. Danny Morville as Prince Rupert looked dashing and sang well.
Simone Howlett as the Wishing Well Fairy made the most of her role and has a great singing voice.

The Gnomes, Stephanie Morville, Callum Christie, Tom Clapham, Sarah Howard, Daniel Myers, George Bowden, Megan Donnelly, worked well together and they all had good characters making the most of their time on stage.

Other roles were played by Dennis Royle as the Mirror and Dave Williamson as Wizard Blackheart.
Then there was the chorus who got to wear some fantastic costumes and sang and danced very well. In particular I thought the Spirit in the Sky number was fantastic, those silver costumes were to die for.

This society has been going for 26 years I believe, and they have grown from their early days when it was borrowed scenery and church halls to the splendid hard working society they are today.
It was great to see so many young people up there on the Mechanics stage working hard and as a coherent group.

I was given a warm welcome by the Chairperson Hazel Hodder, who along with many others of the society has been a member since the birth of the society, which perfectly complimented the splendid evening's entertainment I saw on that stage.

There was a rich variety of songs, both old and new, good old comic variety slapstick, a real nasty villain and a charming hero and heroine — all the right ingredients for a good first rate pantomime.
Andrew C. Husband