January 2005 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
OPERA SUPPER
Una Voce Opera
Artistic Director: Ian Dunning
Accompanist: Sean Ashmore
Good music and good food is an irresistible attraction to a Regional Rep and the annual Opera Supper given by this go-ahead group is always a feast in both ways. I was delighted that another engagement for Colin took me to Crosby. To win an audience for an amateur opera group demands determination and drive and this was exemplified by the Founder and Chairman, Una McAulay. Earlier in the summer Una was diagnosed with cancer and had a difficult operation so it was a special pleasure that we saw her able to attend this function in September. Despite these problems she is still running the show with her typical energy and we all wish her well for continued improvement.
With an informative compère in Peter McColgan we were treated to an enjoyable programme of operatic excerpts both familiar and unfamiliar. With many of the company given the opportunity to perform solo all cannot be mentioned but Meera Bell Thomson impressed with the aria from Adriana Lecouvreur, Santuzza in the 'Easter Hymn' with the chorus and in the touching balcony scene from West Side Story with the outstanding Nick Hardy. His singing of 'Stout Hearted Men', 'Che Gelida Manina' and 'Nessun Dorma' filled the hall with ringing high notes. The strong voice of Maria Caravanas also stood out, particularly with the 'Song of a Night Club Proprietress'. She also joined in the 'Papagena! Papageno' duet with the ever-dependable Ian Dunning.
It is a pleasure to chart the progress of 15 year old Danielle Thomas,
whose mature voice shows immense promise. Julian Guidera was another
voice of promise though all soloists did well in their numbers. The
chorus sang well throughout and with the impeccable accompaniment of
Sean Ashmore (who had taken over this role at the last minute) this
was a most entertaining and sociable evening.
(Glyn Neary)
Cinderella
Birkdale Orpheus Society
Director: Richard Woodward
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
Choreographer: Pam Bamber
Not a pantomime but Rogers and Hammerstein's working of the original story.
I thought that the set was good and an interesting way of changing the scenes. The opening was beautiful as was the finale but in between there was something missing, and I could not put my finger on it. Perhaps it was that you have a pre-conceived idea how the show should go! But I repeat, it is not a pantomime, and so the comedy is much more gentle. I must admit I missed Buttons.
What this show does have is two of the loveliest songs that the famous duo wrote "A lovely Night" and one of my favourite melodies "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" Both executed with style by Liz Clarke in the lead role and Steve Bennett as the Prince. Julie Davitt made a smashing Fairy Godmother, and we had in Tracey Batchelor the most attractive Stepmother I have seen, if not in her temperament, which was as it should be … nasty. Together with her daughters Joy and Portia, played by Dorothy Prothero and Sue Haraker, they did their best to inject comedy into the show. The King was played by Eric Wilbraham and his Queen by Susanne Denner who gave a charming performance.
Some times, what is designed for the T.V. does not always work on the stage, and this was a case in point. This was not for the want of trying with some excellent performances, and the music was wonderful and in the safe hands of Jeff Rimmer. My thanks to all concerned for an enjoyable evening.
Peter Pan
St Ambrose Players
Director: Lee Thompson
Choreographer: Delia Rutlidge
This was a most entertaining pantomime. The set was good, what music there was fitted, and the choreography was spot on.
John Sangster made a commendable Captain Hook and Lee Bradbury did extremely well in the title role and flew with extreme confidence. Sarah White made a lovely Wendy, as did the pretty Jaymi Woods as Tinker Bell. The lost boys, indians and pirates all played their parts well. But standing out, as usual, was the frame of the dame or should I say Laughing Water alias Lee Thompson who was superb.
Well done to the whole cast and to the back stage crew for a super set.
The King and I
St. Helens Amateur Operatic Society
Director: Eric Rimmer
Musical Director: John Flood
Choreographer: Elizabeth Hill
May I say how happy I am to see the society in such a healthy state and congratulate every one who help to achieve the standard it did the night I saw it.
The success of the musical is dependent on The King played by James Kirby and Anna played by Marian Quigley as everything revolves around them, but here you do not have your normal relationship between the King and Anna, because of their stature and so it was on a different level that it came across. Gone the hidden romantic feeling between the two to be replaced by a high respect for a woman who never minces her words.
The Kralahome was played by James Platt who did well although I would
have liked it played a little older.
'The Little House of Uncle Thomas' was one of the best I have seen
for some time and very well received. Joe Cowley made a good Captain
and Sir Edward was brought to life by Bert Devlin. Albert Parry played
the Interpreter.
The children were wonderful as they can be, and always steal the show. But along with the children there were three performances which did just that. Maria Gleave's Lady Thiang was lovely complimented by the youth and singing voices of Lun-Tha played by Martin Smith and a superb performance by Janis Crabbe as Tuptim. who's acting, as well as her voice, made my night.
A very enjoyable evening my thanks to concerned.
Oklahoma!
Adlington Music & Arts Society
Director: Mark Rosenthal
Musical Director: Steven Sandiford
Choreographer: Gillian Pilkington
This was a very good production and it never slowed down - not hurried but just swept one along. It was a young cast and Curley, played by Rob Delaney, didn't take long to settle into the role and do extremely well. Laurey was played as well as I have seen it done by Soraya Malfi who belied her tender years. To them add Becki Charnley who, as Ado Annie, complimented the other two and never let costume problems get her down - very well done. Her partner in crime, Will Parker, played by Richard Leigh, did extremely well with his dance and my congratulations goes once again in this production to Gillian Pilkington for excellent choreography even though not helped by the size of the stage.
Aunt Eller was played to the hilt by a Gill Brown; this was a lovely cameo. Sharon Bramwell was a Gertie you would not mess with and we had two performances from two gentlemen who had played the roles before but could still turn out smashing portrayals, Ali Hakim by Philip May and Chris Higson as Jud Fry.
Above all this was a company show: no one stood out, just a company giving what we have come to expect, the best in live entertainment plus a set to die for! My sincere thanks to you all.
On the Town
Maghull Amateur Operatic Society
Director: Jacqui Padden
Choreography: Elaine Cox
Musical Director: Jill Hyde
This is a show that is seldom seen - an example of Leonard Bernstein's earlier work and a show which does not have the depth of quality numbers that his later shows have. Many scene changes meant that the show lacked continuity, and although there were some lovely scenes, they seemed to come to a halt as we had another black out or a tab came in. Then we had to start the build up of pace and interest again.
The three sailors on shore leave were played by Matt Casson, Dave Cox and Adrian Roberts. All did their best with a difficult score. The three ladies, who they meet, were played well by three totally contrasting characters, Ivy Smith played by Kelly-Ann Poulson, Helen Illingworth who played the role of Claire De Loone with superb clarity and energy, while Helga Kristensen did extremely well with the role of Hildy. Her scene in her flat with Chip (Dave Cox) and Lucy (Carol Kennedy) was very well done.
We had a lovly cameo from Gaynor Hale as the singing teacher with a drink problem. The Judge was played by Tony Adamson and two short but well executed numbers by Kathy Rowell who played the dual roles of Diana and Dolores. Two more of the smaller roles that came across well were those of Flossie and her friend, played by Betty Hall and Laura Fegan. They were all supported by a good chorus. This was a good attempt at a very difficult show. My thanks to all concerned.
Cinderella II: Button's Revenge
Ormskirk Theatre Company
Written and Produced by Andy Hawkes and Gary Simpson
Choreography: Pat Baker, Sue Morris, Sally Frost and Gemma Simpson
Musical Director: Paul Goulden
This pantomime was very well attended and the proceeds were for a very good charity. But it had been so re-written that both the story and the costumes were as confusing as each other. They were neither one thing or the other, modern dress mixed with traditional just did not work for me. A lot of hard work had obviously gone in to the show and the audience response was very favourable.
The characters of Dotty, the fairy, came across well, played by Sue Morris and Cinderella was played by the pretty Sally Frost. Holding the show together was Gary Simpson as the lead part of Buttons. In this show Buttons gets the girl in the end! They were supported by Pat Barker as the Stepmother and a vocal chorus. Tom Loughlin played the disappointed Prince. Dandini, played by Andy Hawkes, turned out to be a fairy Godfather. It was a shame that the show lacked pace and one felt that not everyone knew what was supposed to happen next.
But with full houses the company must be doing something right! My thanks to all concerned .
Great Expectations
Chorley A.D.O.S.
Director: Mark Jones
This Dickens' Classic has been both adapted and directed by Mark Jones and done so extremely well. The production had pace and the scenes linked and flowed so effortlessly it was a joy to watch.
The lead Pip was played by Dave Reed, and what a superb performance he gave: this was like the story, a classic.
The young Pip and Estella played by Adam Lea and Lucia Jade Conway were both well done as was the performances of Pip's sister and her husband, Joanne Cunliffe and Brian Clark, who gave extremely good performances, as did several others.
The roles of Jaggers and Biddy are cases in point. One could not fault either Barry Callander or Zoe Duffin who turned in performances of a high standard. Estella once grown up was performed by a statuesque Lorraine Sullivan but what an exquisite performance by Wyn Tootell as Mrs Havisham. This was a play were everyone pulled there weight. Other parts were played by Alan Mayer as Magwitch, Mike Taylor was Pumblechook, Herbert Pocket played by Miles Cahalin and David Medows was Drummle.
This is a play for which the society can be truly proud - and so can Mr Jones!
It's A Musical World
Rainhill A.O.S.
Director and Choreographer: Erika Case
Musical Director: Tommy Mason
This revue was written by the director and Jayne Sorfleet and has an interesting concept. The cast board the cruise ship, the Ocean Maid, and they then travel the world while the tourists sing the songs of the places they visit and, at the same time, there is the love life of those on the cruise, which, by the time we disembark, they all have found the love of their lives - a sort of a "Love Boat" set to music.
Marjorie Davies gave her usual strong performance as the fortune hunting Vera. Angela Thompson, played by Bet Davies, did well with both 'Tell Me On a Sunday' and 'I Hate Men' But finally made it up with her husband, played by Ian Case. Vera's eye was on the Colonel who sang 'The Isle of Capri' well, but Paul Davies went the whole hog when he was supposed to have been pushed in the pool and arrived on stage - soaked!
The ex-film star, Bette Mackenzie, was played well by Rosie Sephton but as usual the humour came from Keith Marsh as Peter Miller the Colonel's factotum. I enjoyed their duet, the Me and My Girl number 'Take It On the Chin'. Paul Gwilliam who played the old flame of Bette's sang a lovely version of another song from that show 'When You Lose Your Heart".
Young Lucy and Karen Bradshaw did very well as the Wilson Children; Karen Williams and Paul Philips played their parents. The newlywed's were played by Neil Atherton and Pip Bradshaw. They were all looked after by the Captain of the ship played by Ron Fitzgerald and his crew, Doctor (Maureen Kinsey), stewards, Miss Williams and Miss Jones, played by Jenny Mason and Debbi Sparks and all directed on the tour by the courier, Miss Lewis (Barbara Marsh).
My only complaint was that the revue was too long and could have started with the passengers going on board. However, we had some pleasant singing from the full company before and during the sail. Well done to you all.
It Started With A Kiss
Chorley A.D.O.S.
Director: Rachel Wareing
This is not one of John Godber's best plays, in fact, although you can see shades of his good works. This play lacks the continuity shown in his more popular shows. It is bitty and it is not an easy play to cut your teeth on from a directorial viewpoint. In my view most of the productions that come from Hull Truck Co. have little or no set and because of the multi-scene make up of these productions the only way to do them would be by using lighting and props and not by a fixed set. The audience has to use its imagination. In this production I think it would have helped and would have meant only one interval being necessary. However, it was a good stab at a difficult play.
As for the performances: well, we had superb attack from Steven Catterall and I enjoyed his performance very much. Strong performances from both Rachel Brennan and Beccy Andrews as Helen and Tina both giving thought to their characterisations. Edward Tootell played Rich, although at times I thought he had the part taped but then he had difficulty in expressing his emotions and lost it. But it did show promise as did Fiona Jack's Charlotte who improved as the show progressed. Finally Denise Mulhearn as Babs had the worst dialogue I have heard come from the pen of Mr. Godbar. Under the circumstances she did her best with the 'thingy'
This was an interesting evening and showed that even well known writers are fallible. But that is, of course, just my opinion.
Murder in Company
St Paul's Players
Director: Wendy. V.Salvage
This was a play I had not encountered before and one with some nice twists and turns, all set at a church hall rehearsal room. We have all been there with a dramatic society that some may say was typical and, there again, maybe not.
There were strong performances from several members of the cast, notably Ted Smith, played extremely well by the menacing Chris Martin, and Alan Pearson who gave one of the best performances I have seen him give. He was ably supported by Barry Callender who played Philip and Linda Bailey who played his wife, Margaret.
Robin Armstrong played Alan, who is in love with the director's wife, Margaret. While Patrica, played Kathy Smith, longs after Alan - with me so far? The Mother of the society who helped to form it many years ago, Phoebe, played by Kathleen Ashworth, had some nice scenes but we had an outstanding performance by Kerry Schofield as the young woman attacked on the way to rehearsal.
My thanks to all concerned.
Technically Speaking
Chorley A.D.O.S.
Director: Brainne Edge
This a new play written by Rachel Welch. The dialogue was very funny in places but the choice of language did not always help, The story line was just believable; I did like the video at the beginning which gave it a local flavour that the audience could recognise.
All six actors gave convincing performances: Rachel Hilton as Louise was extremely good and is turning into a good little actress. Likewise, Charlotte Knowles improves with each performance. Samantha was played by Zoe Duffin and, like the other two young ladies, gave a hoot of a performance - well done to all three of you.
As for the gentlemen, Michel Wignall was Paul and gave his usual sound performance. Tony Vanderweele played the role of Peter, not an easy part, but played it well. But for his timing and delivery Tom Cohen as Julian was superb. These six performers made it an enjoyable evening - not always the script "technically speaking"
As for the staging the only thing I would have changed was the way the chairs and tables were set at the end as it needed to be different from the first scene. However, another enjoyable evening at Chorley.
A Chorus Line
Knowsley Music Theatre
Director: Steve Titchmarsh
Musical Director: Richard Reeday
Choreography: Penny Caffrey
Whatever adjective I use to describe the performance of this show it would be not enough as this was one of the best.
The mirrored wall is the set, it revolved on time and without fault.
The choreography was as good as it gets.
The Chorus Line was a lovely cohesive ensemble that moved as one. The
soloists - well, I was not going to mention individuals, but there
were some outstanding performances.
They say everyone has a part which is theirs and the part of Bobby was definitely Adrian Sanderson's. We had super performances from Lesley White and Sarah Williams as Diana and Val. Carl Au's "I Can Do That" and Dario Dugandzic's Paul both hit the spot. And although I have seen several excellent performances from Jason Weightman he gave yet another as Al. His partner in this show, Kristine, was the best performance I have I seen from this lady, no longer just a dancer Emma Farley gave a wonderful acting performance as the girl who can't sing - her timing was spot on.
Derren Dolphin as Zach tied the show together and each and every one of the cast can be justly proud of what they have achieved. My congratulations to them and to their mentors.
The Accrington Pals
St.Ambrose Players, Leyland
Director: Lionel Glover
This is not the easiest of plays to stage or perform as the author gives one very little in the form of what the set is. In this production I would have like to have seen perhaps, the table at which quite a lot of dialogue is done, positioned further down stage as it would have helped to overcome the problems of some of the younger voices in the cast from being heard.
I did like the battle scene and it worked well and Lionel Glover
did well even though he did direct the play as well.
May, played by Delia Rutlidge, has the meat of the play and she coped
well with most of it and gave one of her best performances I have seen
from her. Nick Gittings continues to impress, this time as Tom. Rachel
Cooper was excellent as Eva as was Catherine Sheenan as Bertha, well
supported by Jaymi Woods as Sarah Lee Bradbury, Michelle Woods and
Connor O'Beirne who gave a nice little cameo as Arthur.
My compliments to the company on its production and what a smashing programme! My thanks to all concerned.
Girls Night Out
Too Friendly Theatre Company
Director: Cliff Gillies
From the size of the audience it would seem the adult content drew them in. Not a play I particularly liked and although it had several passages which did not flow very well, I'm not sure whether this was in the writing or the performance. In parts it was very funny, in others, not. Although the first strip worked well the prolonged one in the final act did not - for me.
Performances varied and in the main the girls having the upper hand with extremely good performances from Nicola played by Joanne Wasilew and an outstanding one from Helen Haygarth whose pregnancy was very believable. They were well supported by Lorraine Wood who was Sara and Sue Thomas who played the Aunt still sowing her wild oats.
The gentlemen were Mark Haygarth who gave a slightly underplayed Phil. On the other hand we had Tony, played for all it was worth by Cliff Gillies. Ronnie Orr did well with the part of Robbie and John Windsor, who played a difficult role, played Darren - but I'm not too sure about the hairpiece!
This is a difficult play which can very easily cause offence. It needs to have pace throughout, especially in the build up to the final curtain and here the girls slowed it down. This was a good attempt at a difficult play.
Our Town
Matchbox Theatre Company
Director: Ann Case
This play is one that has memories for me as I played the Stage Manager when I was much younger than I am now. It is a good play and it is nice to see it being revived. This production was done on what you would call a thrust stage with the audience on three sides. And it worked well; with the audience close to the action it gave the feeling of involvement in the story.
As there is very little in the way of set one concentrates on the
actors more than perhaps one would normally.
For the first time the part of the Stage Manager was taken by a young
lady and it worked fine. In fact, Bernadette Hughes's performance was
excellent, The roles of Mrs Gibbs and Mrs Webb were well defined by
Rosa Dover and Catherine Parr and came across well. I also enjoyed
the performance of Brendan Hughes who was the understanding Dr Gibbs.
This play has a large cast and all are to be congratulated. But I will
mention two more who stood out, as Emily Freya Brooks was extremely
good and did well this demanding part.
On the other extreme Simon Stimson only comes into his own when he's
dead but this play relies to a large extent on small parts being performed
as well, if not better, than the leads and this John Collins did.
This was an enjoyable production well done.