January 2005 - Region 8 - David Parkes
LES MISÉRABLES
(School Edition)
Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre. (CAYT)
Director: Richard Innes
Assistant Directors: Sue Beech and Jennifer Matthews
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
This recently released edition of the musical based on Victor Hugo's novel is proving to be a popular choice for performance by youth groups and schools and the production by CAYT was first class in every respect.
Masterful performances by Craig Young and Tom Sargeant as Jean Valjean and Javert were the mainstay of the production which was enhanced by the beautiful singing and acting of Laura Mathews as Fantine, Alison Beech as the adult Cosette and Heather Taylor as the adult Eponine, with exceptionally fine performances of 'I Dreamed a Dream' by Laura and 'On My Own' by Heather.
Christopher Worral was outstanding as the student leader Enjolras and Luke Gray gave a sincere portrayal as the lovelorn Marius. Dane Swindells was a confident Gavroche and Emma Greystone delighted as Little Cosette with her singing of 'Castle on a Cloud'
Comedy - and villainy - was in the capable hands of Josh Cartlidge and Lianne Jennings as the Thénadiers with a well performed 'Master of the House' number.
With a multiplicity of well costumed minor characters stepping out from the large chorus the production proceeded at a good pace with simple but effective stage settings. The barricade, designed and built by Michael Castle, appeared to spontaneous applause and struck fear into MD Ian Pickford and his fine orchestra as it trundled downstage in a cloud of mist towards them.
A stirring production with which all concerned can be justly proud.
LES MISÉRABLES
(School Edition)
Cheshire Operatic and Dramatic Youth Set (CODYS)
Producer: Nick Cupit
Directors: Nick Cupit and Irene McGee
Musical Director: Phil Robinson
A most impressive production with outstanding performances from all the principals backed by fine chorus work and musical accompaniment by the Warrington & District Youth Orchestra.
Seventeen year old Craig Whittaker was masterful as Jean Valjean well matched by Tom Whitelock as Javert both displaying admirable vocal and dramatic talent. Not to outdone by the young men, Claire Jackson as Fantine, Laura Thompson as Eponine and Joanne Bradley as Cosette gave superb performances together with Joseph McCourt as Enjolras, Matthew Syms as Gavroche, and Chris Pym as Marius.
Natasha Callaghan's strident portrayal of Madame Thénardier together with Luke Morton's brilliant performance of the disreputable Master of the House brought a fine degree of comedy to the production whilst the sweet voiced Caroline Rimmer gave an eye-moistening performance as the young Cosette.
The set, designed by Aaron Cawley, and built on a revolve was very good, the lighting effects complimented the well planned scenes and the costumes were well designed.
It is regrettable that the Derek Newton Theatre on the Padgate Campus, having been refurbished at considerable expense, is to be reclassified by the Chester University as a media centre and will not be available for future theatrical performances.
If, as announced, this production brings down the final curtain at the Derek Newton Theatre, it was most certainly a memorable performance with which all concerned can be justly proud.
KISS ME KATE
Centenary O & DS
Director: Andy Follin
Musical Director: Jill Hyde
Choreographer: Julie Parry
Plenty of action prior to and during the overture set a realistic back stage atmosphere for the opening of this production and a stirring rendition of 'Another Op'nin', Another Show' from Michelle Jackson as Hattie got the show off to a rousing start.
Daniel Grimes and Clare Asprey were well cast in the roles of Fred Graham/Petruchio and Lilli Vanessi/Katherine respectively, both having the vocal and acting talent to carry off the 'dual' roles admirably.
Not to be outdone, Clare Ewing as Lois Lane/Bianca, Joe Whitlow as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio and Mark Hemmings as Paul/Hortensio each gave first rate performances ably supported by Walter Brown as Baptista and Tom Parry as Gremio.
One always anticipates scene-stealing performances from the two gangsters and this proved to be no exception with Seb Farrell and Martyn Gallagher delighting the audiences with their portrayal of the two 'heavies' who eventually succumb to the lure of Shakespeare.
The remaining principal roles and the chorus routines, especially the 'Too Darn Hot' opening to the second act, were well choreographed and performed.
An unusual addition to the show's souvenir programme was the inclusion of a pull-out section for Fred Graham's production of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare detailing the 'stage' names of the cast. A nice touch!
The scenery was good, the costumes by Charades were excellent and the whole production went at a good tempo backed by Jill Hyde's customary fine orchestra. It was especially pleasing see Denis Robinson making a welcome return at the keyboard after his enforced lay-off following a back injury.
OKLAHOMA!
Acton AOS
Director/Choreographer: Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
Musical Director: Damon Jones
Assistant Choreographer: Lesley Caukroger
A lively performance of this hardy perennial which, unbelievably, has been with us for over 60 years. The production team is to be congratulated on giving the well known story a refreshing make-over.
Following her success as Ann Pornick in the society's last production, seventeen year old Charlotte Platt made an equally good impression as Laurey and is surely destined for a splendid future in musicals.
Making his debut with Acton AOS Mike Bradley was a romantic Curly and in addition to his vocal talent he brought a nice touch of humour to the 'Poor Jud' number with Pete Johnson well cast as the threatening Jud Fry.
Humour and brilliant dancing abounded in the performances by Joel Montague and Debbie Cornock as Will Parker and Ado Annie Barnes respectively and further humour was brought to the part of Ali Hakim by Matthew Hassall.
Jennifer Hall was a fine Aunt Eller contrasting well with the grumpiness of Tony Hoy as Andrew Carnes. All the minor characters were good and the chorus was lively and well drilled.
The dream ballet with Janet Knapper performing the role of Laurey was exceptional in its variety and innovation.
The production was enhanced by Proscenium's sets and Howorth Wrightson's properties and beautifully costumed by Ian Stead with wigs by Bromiley.
A good tempo was maintained throughout by the band under the baton of Damon Jones and the show was well received by an appreciative audience.
WHICH SERVICE PLEASE?
Davenham & Sandiway Players
Director: Simon Jones
Asst. Director: Graham Hough
The premier performance of this play written by director Simon Jones, who also made a brief appearance in the production, provided the audience with a tongue-in-cheek account of the goings-on in an ambulance depot.
The efforts of the Manager, Julia, (Jan Hollingworth) to bring efficiency and economy to the depot were thwarted at every turn by a miscellany of staff members including the flirtatious telephonist Georgina (Judy Carter), the paramedic team of Mel (Lorraine Dunne), Craig (Dave Norwood), Fred (Bob Almquist), Fritz (John Clayton), Dave (Colin Tolley) and shop-steward John (David Claffey).
With a plot that included Fritz, on an exchange visit from Germany, having difficulty in remembering to drive on the left and managing to drive the ambulance into a canal whilst on a 'blues and twos' mission to buy tea bags for the canteen, one needs little imagination to visualise the mayhem caused by the antics of the other characters culminating in an amusing evening's entertainment reminiscent of the Carry On series.
SOUTH PACIFIC
St Thomas' AD & O Society, Golborne
Producer & Choreographer: Bill Murphy
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
A lively production made all the more pleasurable by the inclusion of a number of youthful members among the principals. What they lacked in experience was certainly counterbalanced by their enthusiasm and energy.
A delightful portrayal of Nellie Forbush by Aimee Scally, who improves with each successive show, nicely partnered by Gary Williams as Emile. What a pleasure to see an Emile de Becque who needed make-up to add years to his appearance!
The youthful duo of Jonathan Kennedy and Kristian Hillman did well in the roles of Captain Bracket and Commander Harbison respectively as did Michael Cash as Lt Cable. Michelle Thompson was the archetypical Bloody Mary and Sarah Lyon made a charming Liat. The scene-stealing roles of Ngana and Jerome were played by Sarah Coleman and Daniel Miller. Keith Wilde was the wily Luther Billis with Chris Blake and Shaun Darbyshire as his sidekicks Stewpot and Professor.
Chorus scenes were lively and well sung with piano and percussion accompaniment. Costumes were designed and supplied by Perceptions of Rochdale and the sets were to the customary high standard we have come to expect from Bob Lord and his Stage & Lighting Crew.
A good all round production - well done everyone.
RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET
Lowton Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: David Henderson
Musical Director: Craig- Barlow
Choreographer: Cathie Davey
Having learned that the planned opening night of this production had been cancelled due to poor ticket sales I approached the show with a feeling of trepidation but my concern was unfounded. This was a super show, well cast, well motivated and performed at a cracking pace with a profusion of toe-tapping hand-jiving musical numbers.
A mixture of the young, and the not so young, made for an accomplished cast with Peter Longworth as Dr. Prospero, David Molyneux as Captain Tempest, Jen Spence as the Science Officer, Pete Den Kaat as Cookie, Jake Irving as Bosun and Carolyne Smith as the Navigation Officer all playing their respective parts admirably backed by an enthusiastic chorus of the space craft crew.
We were treated to scene-stealing performances from Louise Phelan as Miranda and Phil Dickinson as the roller blading robot Ariel.
Costumes were good and the whole performance was enhanced by a first class set with good lighting, visual and sound effects.
I hope that the audience numbers improved for the remainder of the week. Those who missed this show missed a good evening's entertainment.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Vale Royal AOS
Producer: Ellan Williams
Musical Director: Eileen Stringer
Choreographer: Steve Coles
A welcome change to see a large audience at the Winsford Civic Hall for this well staged production. I suspect that due to the frequency of its appearance on television and stage a large proportion of the audience would be familiar with every aspect of the plot, most of the script and all of the music which proves the point that audiences are happy to see shows that they know, but are not as willing to support less well-known shows.
Leading the cast, Emma Johnson put in a good performance as Maria and had a good rapport with the von Trapp children; Kimberley Roberts as Liesl and Seamus O'Hare as Friedrich with two teams playing the remainder at alternate performances.
In my opinion the character of Captain von Trapp is one of the most complex to portray - a mixture of the uncaring martinet, the romantic and the defiant. Mike Kelsall performed well but let the mask of the disciplinarian fall by having his hands in his pockets too frequently.
Liz Cassidy was an elegant Elsa Schraeder and Robert Jones brought a pleasant voice and personality to the role of Max Detweiler but I felt he lacked the necessary direction to bring out the best of the over-the-top exuberant characterisation of an impresario.
There were nice cameo performances from Ben Ireson as Rolf, Anne Peers as Frau Schmidt the housekeeper, Michael Wright as Franz the butler and the other minor principals.
The highlight of this production was Barbara Turner's performance as the Mother Abbess. Her firmness and diplomacy in dealing with the differing views of the Abbey's Sisters and her tenderness in her scenes with Maria were capped by her magnificent singing of 'Climb Every Mountain'.
The scenery by Borders was good; the scene changes were slick and the accompaniment by Tim Dawson on piano and Ali Hulford on flute complimented the musical numbers.
HALF A SIXPENCE
Congleton AOS
Director & Choreographer: Eric Pover
Choreographer (Chorus) Alison Beech
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
This well known show, previously performed by the society in 1995, was given another airing at the Daneside Theatre and I must confess surprisingly to being disappointed in the overall lack of vitality and excitement in the show having been greatly impressed with Congleton's previous productions, one of which received a nomination in the NODA North West 'Best Show' category
There were good individual performances by David Francis as Kipps and Helen Snelson-Pickford as Ann, backed by nicely choreographed routines from the shop boys and girls. Solid performances by Dave Martin as the owner of Shalford's emporium and Reg Tolladay as his Floor Walker Mr Carshot together with Pam Anstice as Mrs Walsingham and Barbara Porter as her companion Mrs Batting. Shelley Boswell gave a sincere portrayal as Helen Walsingham but I felt that the persistent monocle twirling of Young Walsingham played by Richard Wair, was a distraction and the characterisation of the actor-playwright Chitterlow by Brian Ashby did not achieve the full potential of this over-the-top personality.
The accompaniment by Ian Pickford's fine orchestra was, as always, superb, and the production was beautifully costumed by Ian Stead. The sets by the Border Studio were first class and well lit by D & B Entech.
Please do not take my opening comments too much to heart as I know that the Congleton ADS is capable of better things and I am confident that you will prove me right in next year's production of Crazy for You.
ANNIE
Knutsford Amateur Operatic Society
Producer & Choreographer: Cecil Walker
Musical Director: Ann Sleigh
The old adage tells us never to act with children and animals but in this show the unfortunate adults have to compete with both, and when faced with the magnificent performance of the talented ten year old Emily Lunnon as Annie backed by a well trained vociferous group of orphans, and Megs as the canine, Sandy, they really had their work cut out.
Bernard Henderson was a personable Oliver Warbucks with Gill Mitchell as the elegant secretary Grace Farrell. Wayne Storey and Jenny Crossett combined well as Rooster and Lily St. Regis but I felt that Gilly Godwin detracted from an otherwise fine performance by overdoing the staggering as the permanently inebriated Miss Hannigan.
With a named cast list in excess of forty the doubling up of characters and chorus is an unavoidable necessity. Ron McCormick gave a sincere portrayal as President Roosevelt following his earlier appearance as Bundles the laundry man and John Stopford was the paragon of refinement as the butler, Drake, having earlier made an appearance as Officer Ward.
All the remaining minor principal roles and the chorus numbers were well performed. Clifford & Brown's scenery was good, it was well lit and the show was nicely dressed by Charades and the society, but I did not like the large 'head-set' style mic's that were used by some of the cast as these did not seem to be as effective as the smaller clip-on type.
Making a most welcome return to the keyboard MD, Ann Sleigh moved the whole show along at a good pace accompanied by Keith Mallion on bass guitar and Tony Whitby - this time in full view - on percussion.
A fine evening's entertainment greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience.
P. S. I would like to correct and express my apologies for an erroneous attribution in my report on the Society's production of Anything Goes. Jeff Tenner, to whom I attributed the set design was in fact the Scenic Artist. The set was designed by the Stage Manager, Steve Prescott.
MY FAIR LADY
Zodiac AOS
Director: John Corcoran
Musical Director: Michael J Scott
Choreographers: Beryl Rigby & Vicki Partheyjohns
To celebrate its 35th Anniversary the Zodiac AOS presented a fine performance of this favourite musical that needs no introduction to the theatre going public.
As befits a winner of the NODA NW Best Choreography Award, Jo Chatt gave a show stealing performance as Eliza, displaying great acting aptitude together with a vocal capability I have not previously heard from her.
Director John Corcoran was an imperious Professor Higgins aided and abetted by Tim Jones as the bumbling Colonel Pickering. I felt that Ted Owen could have had a more 'soiled' appearance as Doolittle but a good performance all the same. Together with his sidekicks Ron Murphy as Harry and Ric Ward as Jamie he lead lively renditions of 'With a Little Bit of Luck' and 'Get Me to the Church on Time'.
Freddy Eynesford-Hill was charmingly portrayed by Daniel Shaw and Mary Hyde led the well drilled tuneful ensemble of servants. There were nice performances from Beryl Rigby as Mrs Higgins, Carmel heather as Mrs Eynsford-Hill, Martyn Gallagher as Zoltan Karparthy and the remaining minor characters. Chorus routines were smart accompanied at a good tempo by a tuneful combo under the baton of Michael J Scott.
The show was well costumed by Homburgs and well staged with scenery and properties by Proscenium and Howorth Wrightson.
Congratulations to the Zodiacs on your 35th anniversary and well done, everyone.
HELLO, DOLLY!
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Director: Ryan Ellershaw
Musical Director: Brian Goodwin
Choreographer: Julie Parton
A most enjoyable production of this well known show, with Tina Lynn magnificent in the the role of Dolly and society chairman, Bob Chaloner a splendid Vandergelder.
Michael Daws and Edward Currie gave lively performances as Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker respectively, with Rachel Kirby and Lauren Clancy delighting as Irene Molloy and Minnie Fay. Rachel's fine singing of 'Ribbons Down my Back' was exceptional. Ali Davenport and Tom Rogers also turned in good performances as the ever-crying Ernestina and her boy friend, Ambrose Kemper.
Chorus scenes were well set with lively choreography, especially the 'Waiters' Gallop', which was performed at a cracking pace, with the high standard of accompaniment we have come to accept as the norm from the back stage Wilmslow Theatre Orchestra under the baton of Brian Goodwin.
Costumes by Charades of St Helens and scenery by Proscenium enhanced this snappy and well staged production. Congratulations to all concerned.
STOP THE WORLD I WANT TO GET OFF
Knutsford Little Theatre
Director: Noel Cornes
Musical Director: Mike Wilding
Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse Stop the World … was given its first performance in 1961 and starred Anthony Newley as the leader of a small group of entertainers discussing ideas for their next show which evolves into a portrayal of the life and the exploits of a man - Littlechap - from birth to his eventual death.
The character of Littlechap is on stage for virtually the entire show and this was accomplished in no small measure by John Smith together with Gilly Godwin who brilliantly portrayed his wife Evie plus all the other females with whom he had relationships. There were good performances also from Michelle Bright and Georgina Ray as Littlechap's daughters and by Ed Livesley as the grandson.
The chorus members, who were also on stage for most of the show, were in well designed clown costumes but their routines were basically static.
The set of the interior of a circus Big Top in which both acts took place - designed and constructed by the FLT Stage Crew - and the lighting was most effective.
The musical numbers which included the well known 'Once in a Lifetime' and 'What Kind of Fool Am I?' were accompanied at a good tempo by a tuneful combo.
Whilst the show was obviously intended to display the talent of co-author Anthony Newley and was well performed by KLT members, I do not anticipate a rash of performances by other societies.
ONCE A CATHOLIC
Centenary O 3c D S
Director: Alan Thomas
Quoting from the programme notes 'It (the play) presents a warmly irreverent, affectionate and comic picture about the confusions and contradictions and general awfulness of being a Catholic schoolgirl' to which I can only add 'And How!' I suspect that authoress Mary O'Malley was considered for excommunication for writing this gloriously funny, irreverent play which had the packed houses shaking with laughter.
The play, which is in effect a slick series of sketches linked together with inter-scene music in the style of TV's 'Heartbeat', takes glace in the nineteen fifties in the Convent Grammar School of Our Lady of Fatima where Mary Mooney (Clare Asprey), Mary Gallagher (Clare Ewing) and Mary McGinty (Julie Parry), by their nefarious activities, incur the wrath of the teaching staff Mother Basil (Marilyn Baxter), Mother Thomas Aquinas (Kate Potts), Mother Peter (Anita Warburton) and the aptly named priest Father Mullarkey (Mark Murphy). The play also included portrayals of the Teddy Boy Derek (Sebastian Farrell), the intending priest Cuthbert (Daniel Grimes) the revolting music teacher Mr Emanuelli (Mark Hemmings) and three further schoolgirls Mary Hennessey (Igrain McDermott), Mary Murphy (Samantha Palin) and Mary Flanagan (Helen Corry).
Of all the many hilarious scenes, the one that sticks in my memory is that of Father Mullarkey hearing the confession of Mary Mooney - following her first sexual experience at the hands (literally) of Derek - whilst eating his supper of sausages and mash then retrieving his trouser clips from round the neck of a statue of the Madonna in order to cycle to the off-licence!
It would be invidious to apportion individual praise to the cast members as each portrayed their respective character magnificently ensuring yet another successful production by this talented drama group.
I would express my sincere condolence to Patsy Roberts who, as a result of a family tragedy, was unable to play the part of Mother Peter which was taken over at very short notice by Anita Warburton.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Mid-Cheshire A.O.S.
I found this a very good production of the popular Rodgers & Hammerstein musical with the introduction of the principal characters during the overture - a nice touch. The scenery looked good and although at times scene changes were a little noisy, the backstage crew in general, were very efficient.
Anna Walton was ideal as Ensign Nellie Forbush and her songs were
a delight to hear, but I was disappointed with the performance of Emile
de Becque, a part he first played in 1964, and quite frankly, vocally,
was not up to it.
Lorraine Deny worked hard to achieve the role of Bloody Mary while
Jeff Burgess gave his usual competent performance in the role of Luther
Billis.
The two officers, Capt. Bracket & Cmdr. Harbison looked right, but the dialogue by Capt. Bracket, was so rushed and garbled I couldn't make out the words.
The two children, Lydia Whittaker & Alex Moir were a delight and Chloe Leigh as Liat looked lovely and was a perfect foil for Simon Miles who played Lt. Joe Cable. All the minor parts performed well and the Nurses & Seabees were well drilled and did their job well.
Congratulations to producer Howard Raw for some new and fresh ideas
and to musical director, David Court, for controlling a very good orchestra,
and more importantly, maintaining pace.
(Ken Webb)
OLDE TYME MUSIC HALL
Mid-Cheshire A.O.S.
After weeks of seeing shows both Old & New, it was a refreshing change to relax and listen to songs, sketches and recitations that took us back through the years. Mid-Cheshire took this opportunity to give some of the stalwart chorus members a chance to shine for once in a solo role here and there.
Music Hall is not easy to put together and takes a lot of hard work and planning. This society did itself proud, with a well rehearsed production. And thanks must go to Barbara Maddock who produced & directed the entire production.
The costumes, lighting and scenery were all first class and the musical numbers were well chosen and the piano and instrumental solo's were good; but I felt went on a bit too long.
The young dancers looked good and performed superbly, and together with the excellent comedian were the icing on the cake.
A real team effort - Well done!
(Ken Webb)