May 2004 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
Rainhill A.O.S.
Director: Erika Case
Musical Director: Tommy Mason
This was a traditional panto played in front of a packed house and from
the amount of vocalising from the
children I think they definitely enjoyed the evening.
Bet Davies did very well with the part of the Wicked Queen and sustaining
the role to the end.
Marjorie Davies also came across well as usual, excellent diction and projection
as Mrs. Potts.
Snow White played by Jenny Mason and her Prince played by Debi Sparks blended
well together and Ron Fitzgerald was the imposing Chancellor Bumbleweed.
Dame Trippit (Neil Atherton) and Gypsy Chief had a nice scene together
which came across very well.
But the majority of the laughter came from Huntsmen Wiggerry played superbly
by Keith Marsh and his partner in crime Paul Davies who played Diggery. Keith's
comedy timing was spot on, well done to both of them.
Add to this a tuneful chorus and seven charming dwarfs in no particular
order played by Ryan Lewis,
Emma Carlise, Amy Bradshaw, Daniel Brownbill, Rebecca Lewis, Cara Simm and
Lucy Bradshaw all well drilled but in this version do not have the scene
were she dies, as in this one the poison apple is not swallowed so the Prince
does not need to kiss Snow White but by lifting her dislodges the apple which
is stuck in her throat.
So with a happy ending the children both big and small go home, with a smile on their faces and our thanks for an enjoyable evening.
OLD TIME MUSIC HALL
St. Helens A.O.S.
Director: James Kirby
Musical Director: Charles Moss
In association with Pensioners' Leisure Clubs, St Helens gave an evening's entertainment at the Theatre Royal even though the theatre was only half way through its refurbishment, and did well saying they did not know it they would have light and sound for the evening.
Indeed, when they came to do the dress rehearsal scaffolding was still up in the auditorium. The whole cast should be commended for battling through.
The production was under the direction of James Kirby who also was the chairman for the evening and a good job he made of it.
There were guest appearances from Bill Molyneaux on the ukelele, Liverpool comedian Micky Finn and the young ladies of the Elizabeth Hill School of Dance.
I hope sufficient funds were raised as survival is the name of the game and I wish the society all the best for the New Year.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
Chorley A.D.O.S.
Director: Barbara Wilcox & Brian Clarke
Choreography: Lesley Nicholson & Megan Hodge
This panto was well directed and had extremely good choreography. There was action, good pace and several performances of note in what was a mainly young cast.
Snow White was played with such maturity by the pretty Melissa Taylor.
The Dwarfs did well, especially Grumbly played by Emma Boyle. Bossy played by Kate Johnson did extremely well as she had a great deal to remember. The others were played by Lucia Conway as Sneezy, Dozie by Sally Aitkenhead, Baggie by Elie Crook, Boozy by Dan Johnson and Batty played by Elisha Lacey. Well done all of you. The prince was played by Tom Cohen and Marmeduke by Ben Mayo. The Huntsman was Alan Mayer and the Wicked Queen played with gusto by Gemma Tarpey.
Panto wouldn't be right at Chorley without Barry Callander as the dame and after last year I did not expect David Hodson Maughan to top his performance in Cinderella but he did and gave us a brilliant Muddles with an outstanding hair-do to match. And finally although she only appears late on in the show Rachel Wareing's Hagwort was worth waiting for.
To all this add a chorus of eleven good dancers and the result a panto to remember for all the right reasons, well done to all concerned.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company
Director: Pamela Foy
Choreographer: Sylvia Stubbs
This was an entertaining show but not quite up to the standard I have begun
to expect from this group.
There was a problem with the sound and it was down to the projection of those
who are used to the stage which does have several dead spots, but in the
main they overcame this. With panto you cannot leave the stage empty and
unfortunately this did happen several times during the show. Normally the
duo who provide the music can be heard but again possibly because of the
sound difficulties h was very quiet.
The Choreography was good and it's nice to see smiling faces on stage.
The sound problem did not bother The King played by Tony Waldron whose
voice came out loud and strong in comparison to The Queen who although did
well was on the quiet side. Kavan Graney gave us an inebriated Giddie the
butler.
John Tetlow made a good Prince and had a nice voice and although the lovely
Louise Hogan normally makes an excellent principal boy she still gave us
a smashing Princess.
The star of this year's show was Claudia Molyneux, her performance as Horse-face
the wicked witch was extremely good and the children showed how rotten they
thought she was with the amount of boos. Good sustained character, very enjoyable
performance.
At the final curtain the children were still in good voice, and at the end
of the day they are the best judges, as it is their show. So thank you to
all concerned.
CINDERELLA
Knowsley Music Theatre
Director: Steve Titchmarsh
Choreography: Penny Caffrey
Musical Direction: Richard Reeday
This another panto written by Graeme Baxter for this group and more traditional than his last. The one thing apart from other pantomimes is that this group have youth on their side and that thanks to the talents of their choreographer. They are a delight to watch as these talented young people dance and sing their way through the show — they are an ensemble who shine as soloists or together making the group into one, moulded by good direction.
We had outstanding performances by Sarah Williams who improves each time I see her and by Lesley White as Dandini to Sarah's prince. Carl Au matures and so does his dancing ability and did well with the part of Buttons, opposite a pretty Cinderella in the form of Kay Williams. The humour came from the Hardup's Baron and Baroness, played by Alan Evans and Vicky Buckley and their two daughters Kylie and Britney, Jason Weightman played Kylie well but Adrian Sanderson as Britney was a tour de force, extremely well done. To top this we had the first Fairy Godmother I have seen who also had a song which she executed with great aplomb.
Last year we had five Princesses, this year we are up to six, all wanting to marry Prince Charming apart from their dancing skills managed to have more costume changes than you can shake a stick at, and all a credit to the costumier Pantomime Shop.
Finally I would like to mention Marie Darwin's Queen Fanny whose imitation
of Ann Robinson was uncanny in the Weakest Link sketch and very tunny and
just went to prove that it is hard to find a weak link when you have this
quality.
PATIENCE
Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Amateur Operatic Society
Director: John Hilton
Musical Director: Brian Smith
Choreographer: Ruth Fraser
This production of Patience is one of the best I have seen, although I
don't think it is one of the best shows in the G&S catalogue and normally
the only thing in this particular show I enjoy is Sullivan's music.
But this time I must say I enjoyed the whole production, which had so many
good things in it and an overall class to the direction and choreography.
The show had good pace and movement.
The two poets played by Brian Tubb and Jonathan Taylor, both gave creditable
performances.
I enjoyed Helen Fieldsend's performance as Lady Jane and the trio of Dragoons
namely the Colonel, Duke and Major played by John Bowen, Michael Kennedy
and Matt Callaghan, all were well portrayed and I particularly liked John
Bowen's solo which came across very well.
Rachel Ashton's performance as Patience was just what was needed to put the cream on the top of a very entertaining production.
My congratulations to both John Hilton and the Crosby G&S for a smashing
evening.
THE ANNIVERSARY
St. Ambrose Players
Director: Tony Gittins
I understand that this was the first play that this director had done, and what a good job he made of it, my congratulations, although there was a very successful film of this play. Its location now in the North of England did not distract in any way. Only a relatively small cast, but all did well, ladies first and the pan of the passive mum was played superbly well by Jean Robinson, as was the part of Karen this a very believable performance by Joanne Duckworth. And last but not least Delia Rutlidge who gave the best performance I have seen so far from this young lady, her portrayal of Shirley was spot on.
For the gentlemen we had David White who played the role of Henry with sensitivity and I loved his scene with Shirley, Terry played by Arno Vanden Berg seemed a little nervous at first but came across better as the night went on.
Finally we had Nick Gittins whose performance like Delia's the best I have
seen from him.
With such good performances, and very good direction not to mention a knock
out set, this was as good as anything I have seen from this society.
The only thing I would suggest to Tony is when you take the curtains back
let your audience take in the set, say a count of five, before the first
word is spoken, for one thing the set would have been applauded it was that
good. Don't rush it.
ALL MY SONS
Chorley A.D.O.S.
Director: Liz Ritson
Co. Director: Brenda Bartlett
This was a wonderful production and a smashing set, one of the best I have seen at this Theatre and the acting was top drawer. This classic Miller play was performed with such sincerity and feeling from all the cast.
Joe was played by Alan Macpherson who gave us both sides of this man, this was an outstanding portrayal of a man with a terrible secret which comes back to haunt him. His wile was played by Wyn Taotell gave another excellent performance, to add to so many.
Jason Crompton played the remaining son Chris, a classy performance, this also would apply to Natalie Kirkbride for her performance of Ann, and this talented actress commanded your attention whenever she appeared.
Ken Moss gave the best performance I have seen from this actor so far, his George was just right. John Griffin gave a comfortable portrayal of Dr Jim Bayliss and his wile Denise Mulhearn had the nasty edge required for this character.
The Lubeys, Frank and Lydia, were played by Tony Venderweele and Fiona Jack both giving competent performances and a special mention for young Matthew Crow who did very well with the part of Bert.
My sincere congratulations to all concerned and to those who missed it,
my condolences. You missed a night of pure theatre.
ROBINSON CRUSOE
St Pauls Players (Adlington)
My first foray into this season's panto-land productions and quite a good opener too. The society is blessed with two outstanding talents, one backstage and one onstage.
Backstage Howard Bates produced some excellent sets, bright and colourful, ideal for pantomime. Onstage Graham Cohen, as Billy Crusoe, possesses that nice easy style which had the audience eating out of his hand - both young and old alike.
Graham Bailey as Mrs Crusoe also developed a good rapport with the audience and was ably supported by the statuesque Sonia Harris as Robinson Crusoe (great legs if I may be so bold) whilst Debbie Smith was very good as the Principal Girl Polly Perkins.
The one you love to hate came in the form of Ernie Worth as the dastardly Blackbeard whilst his bungling side-kicks, Red Jake and Patchy Pete, were played with no small measure of enthusiasm by Michael Dootson and Kathleen Ashworth.
The cast was completed by Jill Heeks, Phillip Walmsley, Katie Allen and Julie Atherton.
A wide ranging choice of music, appropriate for the production, was provided by Doug Larby and Guy Dearden.
Chorus work was of an adequate standard and overall the production was
well received by the audience.
Glyn Neary
CALAMITY JANE
St Paul's Players (Adlington)
This is a show which possesses several musical numbers which are firmly established in the pantheon of classical musical comedies and in the minds of the audiences. The muted humming of the more famous tunes from those around me paid tribute, not only to the onstage performances, but also to their everlasting charm. Such numbers as "The Deadwood Stage", "Windy City", The Black Hills of Dakota" and "My Secret Love" were well performed by those concerned and brought a suitable response from the audience.
Vicki Wilson was suitably boisterous as the gun toting Calamity whilst
her "Secret Love" was effectively played by David Wilson as the
stoical Wild Bill Hickock. Sonia Harris provided the necessary femininity
to contrast with Calamity's frontier brashness and Kath Smith did very well
in her first major role as Susan.
Martin Taylor did quite well with the part of Francis Fryer despite looking
distinctly uncomfortable with the dance routines. Andrew Crawford-Lane gave
a pleasing performance as Lt Danny Gilmartin as did Ken Brindley as the under
pressure saloon owner Henry Miller.
The orchestra under the direction of Debbie Smith was, I felt, a little even paced thus slowing the proceedings a little and general chorus work would have looked better grouped rather than in regimented straight lines.
Scenery once again by Howard Bates was excellent. I particularly liked
the "Black Hills" set and the rotating cabin for "A Woman's
Touch" was quite ingenious. Overall a production which never quite hit
the high spots but nevertheless provided a good level of entertainment.
Glyn Neary
MY FAIR LADY
Southport A.O.S.
Director: Margaret Mann
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
Choreographer: Sandra Bevan
Good production and good set it would have been nice to see Eliza coming down the stairs to the ball but maybe it was not practical? A production full of nice pictures throughout. My only quibble was the opening scene had too many clean people and clean white ironed aprons, and in the case of Eliza she was not dirty enough to match the lines that Higgins says. I enjoyed the choreography and the dancers looked just right backed by a well conducted orchestra it was a very pleasant evening at Southport.
There was a mature performance from the experienced Ray Mann as Professor Higgins and a super cameo by Celia Pope as his mother. Lisa Toler sang her way through the leading role as Eliza and looked just right once we had the transformation. Tom Hornby did well with the role of Colonel Pickering and as did Pat Simpkin as Mrs Pearce. I particularly enjoyed the singing of David Noble, whose Freddie was very well executed also a nice little cameo by David Walker as Zolton.
What can I say other than, Doolittle was played by Don Sewell, I started this report with the performance of one experienced player and finish with another, both executed with panache and add to this a good chorus and the result a very good production.
My congratulations to all concerned.
COMFORT AND JOY
Too Friendly Theatre Company
Director: Cliff Gillies
Comfort and Joy is a northern comedy set at Christmas time, depicting a dysfunctional family, their distant relatives and weird neighbours. The situations in which the characters find themselves provide the fun. The Director admits in the programme that this play "has been a bit of a nightmare", and it was evident that the play was under rehearsed. Frequently characters were unsure of what to do next and as a result many situations fizzled out. Dialogue was garbled, leaving it beyond the comprehension of the audience. Nevertheless the cast of twelve made a concerted effort to deliver each situation. This is not an easy task with so many characters on stage. Each comic situation needs to be thought out and executed with tine timing. Its the action and the reaction surrounding the situations that gets the laugh in most comic situations.
Individual performances were favourable. John Windsor as Martin attempted
to keep the pace flowing. Amusing cameos came from Linda Boardman and Mark
Haygarth as the bizarre neighbours. After a shaky entrance both Sue Thomas
as Fiona and Ronnie Orr as Chapman, the relatives from Australia, delivered
their roles with ease and panache. Stella Barrington as Margaret, the wif
e of Martin, mother and kingpin of the household, appeared uncomfortable
with her role. Joanne Wasilew, as her daughter Helen, also
appeared to be unable to define her character, although she delivered her
lines well.
Director, Cliff Gillies, also took on the large role of Goff, the cantankerous — but able to laugh at his own jokes - older family member. His characterization is to be commended. More light and shade when delivering the dialogue would have made this a more convincing performance. Directing, in addition to playing a large role, makes it difficult to assess where priorities lie, especially in the rehearsal process.
Helen Haygarth as Kathy and Shaun Hanks as Crispin, arrive just in time for Christmas, giving us two memorable performances once they had got through the door with luggage and two cat baskets! Their individual acting during the Charade game was a delight. Smaller roles were suitably taken by David Thomas as Hughie and Margaret Mills as Pat, plus a debut for Sophie and Matthew Baker.
The only two doors onto the set opened inwards which marred entrances and exits. This made for many ineffective moments. For example the magical moment when pulling on the oversized Christmas tree, must have been missed by half the audience as the door masked it!
With more attention to detail the production would have given more comfort
and joy to the audience.
From the programme notes there seemed to have been great laughter during
rehearsals, this is fine, but comedy is a serious business.
Barbara Worrell
THE SORCERER
St. Helens Catholic Amateur Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Director: Andrew Follin
Musical Director: John Flood
This is not a long show but it has to be full of energy and somehow it was not there the night I saw it. Plus the brass section especially in the first act was too loud and the men's chorus were not with the orchestra.
Philip Wade played the central character of John Wellington Wells and he
has a good voice but his delivery of his lines made it very difficult to
understand what he was saying except when he sang.
Jim Lancaster was in good voice and gave the performance we have come to
expect of this talented man.
Stephen Hill was a good Notary and Vincent Brennan gave the best performance I have seen from him as Dr. Daly.
Two well rounded performances came from Christine Hill and Catherine Skelly who played lady Sangazure and Aline both came across well, but Katherine DeLappe although showing promise, her Constance had not the quality in her voice and it was hard to hear her over the orchestra. But no doubt good experience for her.
James Platt played Hercules and Bert Devlin handled the part of Sir Marmaduke
with his usual flair.
Finally to a lady whose diction and singing was first class, Carole Smith's
Mrs Partlet was a treat. An effective ending, scream and all, brought the
evening to a close.
Not the best this society has done, but an entertaining evening nonetheless. My thanks to all concerned.
THE GRAND DUKE
The Bentley Operatic Society
Director: James Craig
Musical Director: Michael Hoyland
This seldom done comic opera, the last Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration but not a hit in the 1890s. In fact Gilbert took out at least two of what were the best numbers in the show just because it was too long and these were in the second half. The show did not catch on and is still rarely done although there is much to admire in it.
The Neptune Theatre could have let the society know they had several broken seats before they had sold them, as two were ours! But that aside it was not the best thing I have seen them do and quite a change from last year.
The Orchestra was not together with either themselves or the chorus but it did improve a little as the evening progressed.
The main part of Rudolph was played by James Craig who also directed the show and unfortunately it showed. You cannot see when on stage what is behind you, plus it normally shows in the performance or in the direction and sometimes in both.Ernest Dummkopf played by Gordon Abraham was OK except for his costume which did not fit into the time or place. The part of Ludwig was sung well by Stephen Riordan but again his costume in act two was not the one it should have been and the significance of this meant he apart from his height, he did not stand out which he would have done if he had been wearing the wig and armour. Edward Bentley sang the role of the Herald well and we had a lovely performance by Bernadette O'Keeffe as Julia. The Baroness was played by Josephine Pollard and Lisa by Valerie Martinson, both Lisa and Princess of Monte Carlo played by Alison Shacklady although they sang well they did not look right in the parts they had. The Prince of Monte Carlo was played by Brian Tubb who normally does give a good performance but I found his accent made it difficult to understand what he said and again his song was lost because of the movement on stage.
I was disappointed with this production as the previous ones have been most enjoyable and this show is one I have a soft spot for.
RAZZLE DAZZLE 'EM
Hindley & Wigan A.O.S.
Producer: David Trainer
Musical Director: Joan Bond
Choreographer: Jayne Quinlan
This was an entertaining evening. An impressive set and an enthusiastic cast gave us songs and dance from the roaring twenties in Chicago. M.C. Ken West took us through the evening with his usual flair, and we had good input from the members of the youth theatre.
Unfortunately Christine Armstrong lost her voice the night before but bravely continued with the assistant director Louise Steggals providing the voice. Maria Collier gave us some lovely moments and Clare Hodkinson once again came across with a strong contribution to the story line. Leaving only the Producer David Trainer who as Micky Finn came to a sticky end and with the help of a strong chorus finished the night in fine style.
This is not an easy venue to play and everyone gave their best, my thanks to the cast and to all involved for a very entertaining evening.
THE MIKADO
Hoghton Players G&S Society
Director: Steve Pritchard
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
Choreographer: Cheryl-Ann Dean
Although I know this show well, it is down to the director that I was never bored and may I say neither was the appreciative audience. An ingenious start, first a marionette show with the characters dressed in the traditional dress, entertaining the children through the overture.
The set which was built by the society was a station, complete with smoke and human tannoy in the form of Station Master Pish-Tush, played by Graham Williams in modernish dress followed by the business "Gentlemen of Japan" pinstripe and bowler hats.
This was matched by Pooh-Bah, Mayoral tails and all who sustained this portrayal of a sneering toff throughout the evening, a part very well sung. Ko-Ko played with gusto by Julian Eyre and in his garish suit one could see why he was an ex-tailor. Apart from flirting etc. etc.
We had some excellent singing during the evening no more so than from Mark Warren whose Nanki-Poo was to be commended.
The ladies on the other hand were something else, from the moment they entered stage right you knew it. To say they exploded on to the stage would be an understatement but the three little maids Peep Bo (Helen Bennett), Pitti-Sing (Helen Cookson) and Yum-Yum (Diane Mackley) were enchanting and so were their costumes. These three young ladies all gave extremely entertaining performances. Indeed Diane Mackley was superb as Yum-Yum and her facial expressions were a joy and her aria "The Sun Whose Rays" was sung as well as I have heard for some time.
We had Neil Carver as the Mikado and he certainly looked the part and there were some nice moments between Katisha and himself.
Katisha was played by Ruth Baldwin and it was lovely to see her back on stage for she can not only act but she has a beautiful voice, and when she is on stage its like a pocket battleship has joined the fray, I really felt sorry for Ko-Ko at times.
Add to that a good chorus and the result a wonderful evening of which I am sure both Gilbert and Sullivan would have approved.