Year

January 2005 - Region 2 - Keith Painter

MURDER HAS BEEN ARRANGED

St Bernadette's Players

This was a play written by a person who thinks you know all the characters names; It took a bit of following. And also with this play you knew what was going to happen right from the off. This play takes place on stage at the St. James Theatre and it was al about Hallowe'en and a ghost story. All the cast did their parts well but it was not a good play to watch.

UTOPIA LTD

Marton Operatic

A very good singing show, a nice simple set and first class costumes. The royal family has got full control - so the King thinks - but the two wise men watch his every move. Phantis and Scaphio, with all their years behind on stage, what a good job they did in this show. And then the English team got six of their top people in the land - all of them did great parts. The number with the tea cups worked out well - or was it a bit of luck? The story took a bit of following. It was a show I hadn't seen for a long time. But a very enjoyable evening, nonetheless.

SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT HENRY?

St Mary's ADS.

A very good play, nice set and props to match. It went at a good pace. This society has a lot of talent with Elsie and Dino leading the way in the cottage and then the arrival of Henrietta which changes everything. She was the boss, and what a wonderful job she did for this play. The rest of the cast gave good support and made for a very enjoyable evening.

SYLVIA'S WEDDING

Schoolhouse

A good comedy play for all, not only for the cast on stage but also for the audience. A nice set and well worked out in three section - outside with front door, living room and kitchen. There were some good scenes with the two families; and what a good pairing for both parents - it was what you would call 'keep it in the family.' Everybody in this play did their best. Thank you for an entertaining evening

ACCRINGTON PALS

Arnold School

A simple set which was just right for this play and we were all seated close to the action. It is set in the 1st World War. A stallholder that ran the local stall in the street was in full command and was well supported by the mill girls. Other good parts were the husband and wife and their dear little son. The boys that played the solders were great and all did their parts well. A good evening. Thank you, everybody

TABLE MANNERS

FYLDE COAST PLAYERS

A nice simple set and props to match. An hilarious comedy play by Alan Ayckbourn. This play was very well done. Everybody in the cast gave us a 100% and worked very hard for a very enjoyable evening.

SOUTH PACIFIC

PRESTON MUSICAL COMEDY SOCIETY

A very good set, which was just right for this production and was just right for the room they had on stage. All props fitted in well and the lighting was right. The show is set around Nellie and Emile who were both right for the parts. The men were lead by Luther Billis and what a good job he did. The chorus with the men in ‘There Is Nothin' Like A Dame' was great. The ladies did a good job and 'Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair' was first class with good movement. Capt Brackett and Cmdr Harbison did their parts well and were well supported by Lt Cable. The children were just right. Bloody Mary right for the job and was in full command. Thank you all and was well produced by director/choreographer, Steve Chesters

MY FRIEND MISS FLINT

St Mary's Dramatic Society

A comedy by Donald Churchill & Peter Yeldham Directed by Joan Mulhall

To think that I have been watching theatre for a long time this is one play I'd never seen. I would like to thank St Mary's Dramatic Society for inviting me to attend.

The set looked the part for a flat above a warehouse. My only comment on wardrobe would be that if a TV presenter were going to a Tax Office he would not go in a track-suit but would go smart, casual to make a good impression.

The play is set round a TV personality called Tom Lambert whose ex-wife is his accountant. At the beginning of the play Tom receives a telephone call from the Inland Revenue asking if he knew a Joanna Flint, of whom he didn't. His ex-wife then arrives and gives him a letter informing him that she's moving to Spain and that she has fictionally made up this Joanna Flint as a Public Relations Executive to put through his accounts.

Craig Wilkinson played Tom Lambert and did a sterling job as Tom and a very good characterisation indeed. Jean Southworth as Lucy the Market Researcher did a lovely cameo role. Philip McLaughlin as Albert, Tom's cleaner, gave a wonderful performance as a Cockney. Just remember when leaving the set as a drunk carry on in character till you can't be seen. Other than that a flawless performance. Christine Steele as Sarah, Tom's long-suffering ex-wife was equally as good.

The two that shine in my eyes who gave excellent performances were Graham Blackhurst as Mr Dodds, the Tax Inspector, and Barbara Brown as C P Lens, the Chief Inspector of Taxes. Graham's gestures and mannerisms in portraying his character were brilliant and Barbara's performance was just as good.

I like the twist in the tale towards the end where Dodds was a retired Tax Inspector, and C P Lens on the fiddle, Lucy as his mole and it turns out that Lens is his estranged wife. Despite when we first meet her she doesn't let on who she is and Albert who thinks she's Sarah's friend, Prudence, tells her all about his role in it.

A very well directed play by Joan Mulhall. A great play, a great farce and all round entertainment on such a damp night. Thanks again and welcome to NODA.
Matt Castle

Trail by Jury

Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society

Director: John Elliott
Musical Director: Julian Power
Choreographer: Paula Kewley

This production started with a bang, with the stage full of people singing as they seat themselves in court ready for the judge to arrive. The jury was sworn in by an excellent Geoff Collier in the guise of the Usher. Dressed in modern day garb we had a football supporter as the defendant as Mike Corkhill came in wearing his replica shirt and sporting an earring but we had very good performances from him and the chief bridesmaid Paula Kewley.

The Judge was played by Mike Lean and The Plaintiff by Anna Collier .The Council for the Plaintiff was Karen Riordan, a part normally played by a man, and although she did well, at times we lost the voice. We had a strong Forman of the Jury who, although not a large part, was very good.

This short production, of course, was just the taster for what was to follow, but certainly put us in the mood for more!

The Sorcerer

Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society

Director: John Elliott
Musical Director: Julian Power
Choreographer: Paula Kewley

And so on to the main part of the evening, and here we had some wonderful performances the ladies with Lady Sangazure, [Denise Groenewald], Aline [Mandy Griffin] and Mrs Partlet played with such aplomb by Janet Bird. For the men, Simon Fletcher, once again, gave his usual sound performance as the Sorcerer himself, Wellington Wells. Geoff Collier who was Dr Daly also gave a lovely cameo, and not forgetting young Jack Sleight who, as Wells' apprentice, showed he is a budding magician. Other strong performances came from Karen Elliott as Constance, Tony Harrison as the Notary and Gary Corkhill who played Alexis. Supported by a good chorus this was another enjoyable night at the Gaiety Theatre.
(Colin Magenty)