May 2004 - Region 9 - Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
ALADDIN
Mossley AODS
Director: Martyn Preston
Musical Director: Simon Pickup
Choreographer: Gary Jones
When I think of Aladdin I always think of colour, and this panto certainly had that. The set was extremely colourful, very practical and well designed, with good lighting and a wonderful dragon. To enhance all this, the costumes sparkled along with the cast.
Ian Margate as Wishee Washee was full of fun and mischief. He certainly
entered into the spirit of the character and supported everyone on stage.
Rodney Cadd was wonderful as Dame Troll, a natural, who was at one with the
audience. Sherri Phillips and Delia Muir played Aladdin and the Princess,
both had very good voices, moved well and were natural for their parts. Roger
Wright, Abanaza, was every inch the baddie one expects. Using good facial
expressions and body language the audience just loved to hate him.
Jan Hankin was well cast as the Emperor, again adding humour and life to
the panto.
I must not forget the Genie and Slave played by Lisa Kay and Michael Ward. Two very different approaches to these characters and both worked well.
The chorus worked very hard with strong singing and giving all the enthusiasm
they could.
Many congratulations to Gary Jones with the choreography; rarely have I seen
such strong routines even in professional panto: the work was very slick
and well performed.
This was a fabulous first night and I am sure you must all be very proud. Congratulations to you all, this was full of pace and well directed.
HELLO, DOLLY!
New Mills AOS
Director: Barry Aspinall
Choreographer: Carolyn Dent
Musical Director: David Chapman
This is one of my favourite shows giving everyone a chance to shine no matter what the age. Although the plot rests with Dolly Levi as the meddling matchmaker there are some wonderful small cameo roles that should not be ignored.
Dianne Aspinall as Dolly looked the part and had the right approach, but struggled with some of the songs which are quite high at times.
Roger Haslam as Vandergelder tried to bring some extra humour into the part, but I felt this didn't always come off as this character is quite stern and played straight can be sometimes much funnier.
Anthony Lambe as Cornelius and Stuart Mayall as Barnaby were a good team. Stuart had just the right innocence required, working very hard and using good facial expressions, whilst Anthony had a good strong singing voice. All credit to Pauline Rowe as Ernestina — one of those lovely cameo roles.
I was rather disappointed with the overall show. I felt that it lacked movement and vitality, especially in "Sunday Clothes". This should be a big chorus and dancing number and its such a shame to see a chorus just standing still these days and not being as involved as they could.
The set worked well, and the Harmonia Gardens was very effective. Good costumes but some areas lacked attention to detail (gloves). I am sure that with a little more rehearsing this show could have been a great deal stronger. Thank you for your kind hospitality.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
G.O.D.S.
Director: Mike Webb
Musical Director: Paul Mosley
Choreographer: Gemma Glencross
This was a panto with all the right ingredients. including quite a few newcomers to the, stage who worked extremely hard to perfect their characters: Eddie Vick as Fleshcreep soon had the audience booing and hissing, and he was very well matched with Lauren Davies who added her own dizzy humour to Fairy Moonbeam.
David Chilton as Dame Trot and Stuart Taylor as the King were teamed up well.
Jack played by James Sutcliffe worked hard to engage the audience but for me it was Ronnie White as Silly Billy who stole the show. The facial expressions and body language were excellent. Another very good performance was given by Jeni Caldwell as Jill. Jeni sang some lovely songs and showed what a talented person we have to look out for in the future.
Congratulations to all the youngsters taking part, especially all the young boys. Let's hope they all stay with you until senior level, I am sure if they do, you will secure your future productions, and be the envy of many societies.
With some good sound effects, this was a very traditional panto enjoyed by everyone.
LITTLE JACK HORNER
Hyde Little Theatre
Director: Janice C. Naughton
Musical Director: Glenys Slater
Choreographer: Kathryn Shenton
This is one of the lesser performed pantomimes, so it was nice to see something new. This company had the good fortune to have a director who uses everyone's talents to the full. A very well cast panto with every member of the cast staying in character to the bitter end.
Peter Bolger as Dame Dimwit kept everyone in stitches, whilst John Bloor
and Paula Waddacor as the King and Queen were also very experienced in comedy.
Shelly Ridler as the Prince looked every inch the 'slappa-my-thigh' character
she portrayed and Stuart Wilkie as Graball made an excellent villain.
Rachel Holmes as Little Jack Homer was good, although she seemed to be struggling
with her voice at times probably due to the bug going round the cast, however
she managed to keep going and continued to work hard linking the story together.
All other principals played good supporting roles.
The ensemble work was strong and the children well drilled with their dancing. The set, lighting and costumes all added to this pantomime to make it a very enjoyable evening's entertainment.
Thank you for you kind hospitality.
SCROOGE
Brookdale Theatre
Director: Mave Jordan
Musical Director: Tom Steer
Choreographer: Elaine Wallman
For a first attempt at directing a musical, Mave Jordan must be very proud of her efforts. Scrooge is not the easiest of shows to stage and Brookdale Theatre does not have a very large stage. However, stage it they did and made a good attempt all round.
Nigel Wells as Scrooge gave a good sound performance showing both his mean side and his humble side. He was confident in his singing and interacted well with everyone on stage. Bob Cratchit was in the very capable hands of Niel Lingwood, once again reminding us of how talented he is. Ian Tyler playing both the nephew and young Ebenezer had a lovely singing voice and a very natural approach to both his characters. He was well matched with Danielle Sullivan as Isabel/Helen.
I must congratulate Calum Hendry as Tiny Tim who sang both his solo and duet beautifully together with Chloe Mamelock. The ghosts were well cast and played by Joyce Cocker, Rodney Bracewell, Ray Wood and Bruce Bundey.
The chorus worked hard throughout and the choreography was very suitable to the show.
There were some good sound effects, but occasionally were a little too loud and you lost some of the dialogue.
This was a very pleasant evening's entertainment, thank you for your kind hospitality.
PINOCCHIO
New Mills A.O.D.S.
Director: Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
Choreography: Beryl Gresty
Musical Director: Carolyn Hawkins
This Panto by David Swan manages to keep the characters that you find in the Disney version but at the same time changes are made to both the time and place that the story is set in to a Toyshop in modern day Italy.
Slight changes also to Jiminy Cricket who for the panto is Jimmy Crankit
a sort of principal boy, and well played by Emily Lucas. Opposite her and
I suppose playing principal girl was the lovely Sophie Ward who is really
a police officer on the trail of, not the Circus owner, but the owner of
the toyshop Signor Verruca.
In this part Don Bremner made a good villain with his two sidekicks alias
Mr Fox and Mr Cat now Fungus and Maggot played by Dave Hart and Beverly Critchlow
who would have given me nightmares when I was a child. A real nasty piece
of work.
The Blue Fairy, now just fairy Sapphire, was something most of the gentlemen would like on the top of their tree, well played by Natalie Coverley.
Geppetto the toy maker is still there and what a good performance, this was only matched by Pinocchio played by Tim Wood. What a good name for this actor.
The music was just right and fitted in well with the story line. We had Angela Hulme who had escaped from Hi-di-Hi and did her proud, and finally the children and their benefactor, Mamma Scrumpi, excellent stage presence by Hilary Edgerton.
The children did their parts with great enthusiasm but young Shelby Farmer
as Baby Dimples was delightful and just added the topping to a wonderful
evening's entertainment. My congratulations to all.
Colin Magenty
HAVE A GREAT EVENING WITH US
Noreen Dickinson School of Dance
Principals: Noreen Dickinson & Melodie Hudson
Once again we were whisked on our way with an extravaganza of dance from the very talented pupils of the Noreen Dickinson School.
Noreen has, for 36 years, raised over £100,000 for the charity MENCAP alone, and I for one am proud that she is still producing such a high standard of work with Melodie. MENCAP is only one of the many charities that the school fund raises for and it was an emotional Hilda Fielding, Hon. Secretary for the Ashton Division of the Charity, who received a cheque for over £8,000 for two nights performances. How many of our societies would love to be able to do that?
All the routines performed were slick and excellently choreographed. Of course the babies always have that 'ah' factor and did by no means let the audience down.
Congratulations to the costume designers and makers. Its such a pleasure to see everyone looking so well turned out, dressed immaculately and all matching from top to toe.
With some very good tap and jazz work I am sure you will continue to go from strength to strength. Thank you for making the night so memorable for myself and the audience.
Good luck in all that you do, and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
IT MUST BE LOVE
Hyde Little Theatre
Director: Vanessa Brooks
Making her debut as a director, Vanessa Brooks must be very pleased with her efforts. This comedy had everything that comedies should have, a good script, and an excellent cast with good timing.
The parents of the 'bridegroom to be' played by Jeff Dudley & Bernice Murrow were well cast as the simple everyday couple in turmoil to the build up of the wedding, and the antics of a neighbour who never appears on stage caused havoc throughout the storyline of this pair.
Antoinette Maloney played a good spoilt daughter and soon to be a bride as she wailed her way through the play, here she was ably matched by Adam Urey as Jason.
The icing on this play was the performance by Janice Naughton as the bride's
mother. Her timing, facial expressions and would-be snobbish attitude were
just right. I especially liked her drunken scene.
All other members of the cast gave very supporting performances and should
be pleased with their efforts.
With a very good set and props, this was pure fun and entertainment, well
done to you all and thank you for your kind hospitality.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Romiley Operatic Society
Director: Rod Goddard
Musical Director: Claire Sweeney
Choreographers: Sue Cox & Sarah Hope
To say that this production was emotional would be an understatement. I have rarely heard an audience so quiet throughout a show. You could feel the tension build from the opening bars of music to the very dramatic end, and no one could ask for more than that. MD Claire Sweeney took on a very difficult musical score and gave it her all, showing us what a talented MD she is.
This show had some very strong principals, with Rob Haslam in the title
role. A very strong performance, showing the diversity in his singing ability
and some tremendous acting, especially in the flogging scene and of course
the crucifixion. When singing 'I Only Want to Know', you could have heard
a pin drop.
Simon Hardisty as Judas, was perfect for this difficult role. I have enjoyed
watching him develop his skills over the last few years and congratulate
him on this excellent performance.
Mat Urey's portrayal as Pontius Pilate was excellent, showing how torn
he was when making his final decision to condemn Jesus, his acting, combined
with a good voice showed what talent he has.
Mary Magdalene was played by Catherine Baddeley. It was just lovely to hear
such clarity in her singing. She gave such an emotional performance that
many people around me were moved by her. This is by far the best part I have
seen her do.
Brian Ganderton was in fine voice as Caiaphas and was well supported by Owen McNeill, Any Gibson and Paul Fernley. I was a touch disappointed in Herod's Scene. I felt it a little lacking in humour after the first few bars.
One or two other observations were — the ladies chorus in act one. Their appearance was rather too modern with heads uncovered showing short or bleached hair and in some cases, hair tied back, half up and half down, this together with some of the costumes which looked rather Indian in design as opposed to Middle Eastern (i.e. dress and trousers and, in some cases, sequins), was not for the poor people of Jerusalem.
This was an excellent set with some very effective lighting which helped create an emotional atmosphere. The set designers must be very pleased with their efforts.
The sound was sometimes a little harsh, especially in the amplification of the orchestra, I felt this detracted on occasions from the singing making the diction a little unclear to follow.
Having said that, the overall production was powerful and very good. Thank
you for an enjoyable evening.
THE KING & I
Ashton AOS
Director: Howard Carter
Associate Director: Pat Battle
Musical Director: Paul Firth
Choreography: Lyn Jones
This production team must be immensely proud of their efforts. With a well cast principal line up, exotic choreography, and an orchestra in the very safe hands of Paul Firth. To add to this, a good stage crew and props team on their side, this is always an added plus factor. Some effective lighting throughout added to the feel of the orient as we watched this musical.
Full marks to Carl Morgan as the King of Siam, he gave a very strong and impressive performance, adding just the right amount of humour to his character. Suzanne Mather as Anna, gave a most sincere performance both in her acting and singing and her scene with the children ("Getting to Know You") was delightful.
Beverley Holt (Lady Thiang) sang "Something Wonderful" with a
great deal of emotion and sincerity.
The lovers Kerry Newton and Andrew Tuton made their scenes very special.
Andrew has a wonderful voice and is such a charismatic actor, a tine catch
for this society, both he and Kerry were just right for their roles.
Congratulations to Liam Mills and Jack Monaghan as the sons, Louis and Prince Chululongkorn. Both had good diction, sang very well and had perfected their characters perfectly. It must be said that other principal roles played by John Hankin, Adam McDiarmid and John Rawson were equally first class.
Well done to all the children. They were exceptionally well drilled and rarely moved, even two adorable twin girls 014 years old who kept the audience spell bound each time they appeared.
Lyn Jones's choreography was excellent, she used her girls and ladies well and kept the interest going throughout. The chorus worked very hard, and were in fine voice.
A memorable show, and a memorable evening. The only down side was the length of the show, perhaps the pace could have been picked up a little here and there.
You may recall that at last years NODA North West Conference, Ashton won the Programme Competition. This meant that the My Fair Lady programme was then entered into the NODA National competition at Peebles, for all winners. I was very proud earlier this year to present Jane Rankin for her design and artwork, with the runner up award from that competition.
It is so important that we think about our programmes and posters, ensuring that the correct logo and crest is added, and where possible a short paragraph on NODA and what it does.
Many congratulations and thank you for your very kind hospitality
MURDER BY MISADVENTURE
Brookdale Theatre
Directors: Sylvia Hill & Carole Taylor
This very well written play is not only a thriller, but also has a comedy
to it that leaves you laughing at
the final curtain. With only four cast members, it is essential that each
character is quickly established for
the plot to take shape. Having said that, not everyone managed to do this
until well into the play.
Denis Cowap took a while to settle into the part of Harold Kent looking a little uncomfortable on a couple of occassions, but as the play moved along he became more relaxed. Lindsey Barker as his wife Emma Kent gave credible performance, but I felt that she needed to work a little more on light and shade in the voice, as did Bruce Huntley (Inspector Egan).
However, it was Ian Tyler as Paul Riggs who made the play come to life. He had a full understanding of his character, had good timing and was just right for this part. He also played a good drunk.
The set worked well and the sound effects good.
CINDERELLA
The Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group
Producer: Michael Dawes
Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson
Choreography: Sue Clayton and Gillian Hulme
Cinderella is my favourite pantomime and I was therefore very much looking forward to the opportunity of reviewing this production. I was not disappointed. Here was pantomime at its very best.
I had not been in the Fallibroome Hall before, and had no idea of the size of the auditorium or the stage. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the hall and the comfort of the seating as well as the size of the stage.
This company staged a superb show, with excellent sets and staging, combined with some wonderfully colourful costumes — all credit to their backstage and wardrobe departments.
Most of the comedy was in the very capable hands of the two ugly sisters
played by Kevin Clarke and Andrew Venables. They were, justifiably, great
favourites of the audience and their scenes and their outrageously 'over-the-top'
costumes and wigs would have done justice to the professional stage.
Claire Mannion-Brown was a lovely fairy godmother and her down to earth portrayal
by this talented Dawn French look-alike was a refreshing change from the
usual 'pretty-pretty' approach to the fairy godmother
Pam Clarke and Colette Desborough as Dandini and Prince Charming were at
their swashbuckling best and looked just right, especially together with
the delicate and sweet portrayal of Cinderella by Emily Knutton.
Sid Smith as Buttons had a very good singing voice as did Don Riseley as
the Baron and both characters came over very well.
The two smaller comic parts of Smash and Grabb were also very funny and were excellently played by Helen Brady and Nic Dobson. What a wealth of talent there is in this society.
My congratulations to all the production team for keeping the whole thing moving at a cracking pace. My only criticism was that occasionally, and it was only occasionally, the music was too loud for some of the performers and voices got a little lost.
Overall, however, an excellent show of which you should be very proud.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Margaret Taylor