January 2006 - Region 9 - Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
GUYS & DOLLS
Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group
Producer & Choreographer: Kevin Clarke
Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson
The production team for this show should be very pleased with themselves. This show had pace, humour and some nice touches added to certain characters.
Steve Clayton as Sky gave an assured performance and although not quite the tough guy you expect to see, he managed to give his character strength in his acting and singing. He was well matched with Emily Knutton as Sarah, who had an almost cabaret singing voice at times. She played her drunken scene well and certainly made the most of the fight scene. Michael Dawes as Nathan was well cast and played his character to the full. He had a fabulous foil in Collette Desborough as Adelaide. With some lovely touches to her role you couldn’t help feel sorry for her long suffering engagement; one of the best Adelaide’s I have seen. All other principals worked hard throughout and it was nice to see Paul Shortt playing the role of Big Jule.
Congratulations to all the dancers in this show. The work was well choreographed and slick. The chorus were also in fine voice and showed their versatility. I often say that small cameo roles can make and break a show. Well many congratulation to Rob Medina as waiter and drunk. Some very good comedy here, with good use of face and good timing.
Working on such a tight area can be very difficult, but with good lighting, props and scenery this show worked well on the Little Theatre stage. Thank you for looking after us so well.
HOT MIKADO
New Mills AODS
Director & Choreographer: Dianne Aspinall
Musical Director: David Chapman
This is the best of the G & S re-writes in my view. It lends itself to so much, the music swings, the show is vibrant and the humour is there for all to see.
This production got off to a great start with a strong chorus that enjoyed every minute they were on stage. They had energy throughout the production and had worked very hard on all their dancing. Nanki Poo, played by Simon Green, unfortunately had trouble with his opening number, so it took a while for him to settle down. His later numbers went well but his acting and dialogue needs attention as he never seemed at ease with himself. Anthony Lamb made a good Pish-Tush showing how versatile his voice is and Barry Aspinall was well cast as Pooh-Bah the ‘Lord high everything else’. Gary Ward looked just right as Ko-Ko, he worked hard and certainly came into his own with Katisha. The three little maids were a good trio, with Charlotte Taylor in fine voice as Yum-Yum. Certainly a name to watch for in the future. Emma Tovey gave her all as Peep-Bo and Kim Riley as Pitti-Sing acted her socks off and gave strength to the trio.
The Mikado was played by Roger Haslam. He looked every inch the flash character he should be and was well suited to the role. For me the icing on the cake was the talented Mandy Mallinson as Katisha. What an entrance she made. She looked as though she had been poured into her PVC costume complete with whip and boy did she make Ko-Ko suffer. They worked so well together in their duets and had everyone in stitches.
The set provided by Scene Change was simple and very effective and against the colourful costumes looked good. My only real gripe was that once again the sound let the show down. We struggled to hear dialogue in some cases and although the orchestra were strong, that is exactly how it should be for this show.
Congratulations to the production team: a good all round show, with pace and humour. Thank you for your very kind hospitality.
ME & MY GIRL
Stockport AOS
Director; Martyn Preston
Musical Director; Claire Sweeney
Choreographer; Shellie-Beth Sinclair
Asst. Choreographer; Jemma Prescott
No matter how many times I see this show I still feel its one of the best written scripts around. When you read it, you can’t help chuckling to yourself. However, you also need the director to ensure that everyone gets everything out of their character to keep the audience laughing. Being a director and taking the leading role is a difficult task. You never really have the opportunity to stand back and look at your own character alongside the others, and I felt that, with this show, we lost some of the punch lines and some of the humour, especially in the library.
Martyn has played this part before and whilst he certainly didn’t disgrace himself in any way on stage and did an acceptable job of Bill Snibson, he could have got so much more out of it, especially with the tiger. Sally played by Hannah Goodinson was well chosen for the role, she had a strong singing voice, a competent dancer and delivered her dialogue well. Suzanne Mather played a rather OTT Duchess, but worked well with other members of the cast. Her singing as always was strong. Brian Ganderton as Sir John was excellent. He had a good understanding of his character and showed both strength and softness in just the right places. Ron Sugden made a great Parchester, showing off his comedy skills once again. Godfrey Roylance made a super Gerald, he was just right for this part and got as much out of it as he could. Whilst Nicky Mead as Jackie has a strong personality, unfortunately I did not like her in this role. I have seen her many times do justice to her characters, but this one didn’t seem to suit her.
Two fabulous performances came from Peter Bowler as both Charles and the policeman. He always adds his own ‘something’ to make his characters special and these were no exception. Congratulations too, to Harry Slater playing Sir Jasper another great performance, once again showing us how it should be done.
The choreography was slick as one expects from Shellie-Beth and I particularly enjoyed the way it was ‘in-keeping’ with the era of the show. Well done to all the chorus and other supporting principals.
I was delighted at the end of the show to be able to award three long service awards. Pat Helicon received her 25 year medal, Marion Barton-Bentley a 40 year bar and my predecessor, ex NODA Representative Mary Parker her 50 year medal. It was an honour to be able to do this for you all, many congratulation, and thanks for supporting Amateur Theatre. Long may you continue to do so. Thank you also for the very kind hospitality during the evening.
SCROOGE - THE MUSICAL
Lees Street CCAM & DS
Directors: Bill Flowers & Karen Petrwoski
Choreographers: Tracey Biles & Jenny Klein
Musical Directors: David Petrwoski & Neil Turner
This musical is ambitious for any society to undertake, but for a small church society to attempt it had me worried. I have seen a number of shows by this society and have been pleasantly surprised and this was no exception. Everyone on stage gave their all, especially the very young children. They were well drilled in their movements and sang with gusto.
In the role of Scrooge was Bill Flowers. Not a strong performance and at times a little unclear, but he certainly tried to get as much emotion into the role as he could. Tony Frater made a good Bob Cratchit and was ably assisted by the rest of the Cratchit family. Well done to Amber McGillan as Tiny Tim, a nice little performance here. Michael Taylor as young Ebenezer has certainly come on since I last saw him. A confident performance from him. Well done to ghosts, Carrie Thompson and Jonathan Scott as Past and Present. Both gave assured performances and delivered their dialogue with clarity. Jacob Marley played by Niall Parry looked good and did justice to the part, but I did think the echo was very loud and overpowering for such a small venue. Other principals worked hard and were well cast in their roles.
My only concern was the music. I do feel that synthesizers have a sound of their own and if played throughout become rather repetitive and sometimes boring. Remember to keep the sound within the capacity of the hall, i.e. don’t use a ‘big’ sound and drown out the performers. The scenery worked well with the overall lighting effective, giving atmosphere to the production.
Congratulations on attempting such a difficult musical and thank you for your very kind hospitality and flowers, which were much appreciated. Finally many congratulations on winning the award for ‘best basic class programme’ both at NODA North West and at the NODA National Conference. Keep up the good work.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Mossley AODS
Directors: Nigel Marland & Jessie Wright
Set in Louisiana, this very funny, yet very moving play follows the staff and customers of a hairdressing salon over the course of three years. Here we listen to all the small-town gossip and witness tragedy, and despair amongst the women who are bonded together, sharing strength, loyalty, birth and death.
An excellent and very moving performance, was given by Sue Widdall as M’Lynn the mother of Shelby. Sue managed to capture all the feelings and emotions that only a mother can who looses her child to illness. Most of the audience were wiping their eyes as she told of her loss and feelings. Shelby played by Davinia Jokhi was well chosen for her role. Again, she also managed to capture the strength of the character together with the warmth and humour required.
Edwina Rigby had worked hard to get across the Dolly Parton character of Truvy. She made a good attempt to encapture Dolly in her body language and her moves. Her assistant Annelle played by Catherine Pugh was good foil for all the characters. Catherine looked every inch the dreary country girl who blossomed as the play moved along. Eileen Godfrey as Clairee and Denise Hartle as Ouiser were a good comedy duo throughout with Denise following along the lines of Shirley Maclain superbly. Once again this was a good production and the set excellently designed by John Buckley.
Congratulations on all performances: this was a super play, and many thanks for your very kind hospitality.
THE PAJAMA GAME
Dukinfield AO & DS
Director: Melvyn Bates
Choreographer: Jean Ashworth
Musical Director: Paul Firth
When you have performed many of the new releases like Dukinfield have on numerous occasions, what do you follow them with? The Pajama Game is one of those shows that is now quite dated. It lacks the excitement of some of the more modern shows both in the storyline and musically, and you have to find that little golden nugget somewhere to bring it to life. Well for me, that little nugget was the choreography. Imaginative, varied, slick and well performed. Jean Ashworth somehow always manages to pull off the impossible. 'Steam Heat' was electric and 'Once-a-Year-Day' had life and variation throughout. Lighting, scenery and costumes were good. Some of the scene changes were a little noisy at times, and if using costumes skips as props, remember to turn the name away from the audience.
Nigel Griffiths played a good Sid, but struggled a little with some of the musical numbers, whilst Sarah Thewlis as Babe showed versatility in this part. Lisa Kay and Scott Lees teamed up well as Mae and Prez and brought some of the comedy to the show. I particularly liked Rodney Cadd as Hines, and for me he made this show. His number with Mabel played by Carole Ward was delightful. I was a little disappointed with Samantha Bates as Gladys. I thought this performance was repetitive of other characters she has played.
The choral work again was good and Paul Firth put pace into the show. Overall I enjoyed the evening, I just feel that some of the older shows now need updating, but as I said at the outset, when you have performed many of the new releases so very well, what do you follow them with? In today’s climate, choosing a show is one of the most difficult things to do as we all know, there are so many considerations you have to make.
I thank you for your kind hospitality during the evening.
WHEN WE ARE MARRIED
Woodford Community Players
Director: Ged Murtagh
This is a J. B. Priestley classic with a great storyline. The director managed to bring detail into this play with his characters and usually I would say that you cannot play a major role and direct, but in this instance the director managed both, and also maintained a grip on the final outcome.
Opening the play, is Ruby Birtle a cheeky maid played by newcomer Claire Keegan. Claire made a great job of this role and has proved that she is capable of holding her own amongst the stalwarts of the company. There were some very good performances from all the cast members, each portraying excellent characters. The six main characters celebrating their 25 years of marriage were well chosen, worked as a team, with great humour and good facial expressions. Carol Ackers looked good as Lottie as did Jack Gibson as the rather inebriated Henry Omonroyd, and Pat Helicon played a very nosey Mrs Northrop. All other supporting principals were again well cast in this production.
Congratulation to Stanley Mascarenhas who designed a fabulous set, complete with wood panelling and window seats. Not only did it look as though it had been picked from a local residence and put on stage, but it also worked beautifully for this production. With some authentic props this was a fine example of how a set should look.
A very enjoyable evening: thank you for your hospitality.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
G.O.D.S.
Director Ken Redfern
Choreographer Mel Bowler
Musical Director Christine Fox
This company has improved so much this last year that I wait with baited breath to see their next production. We were treated to an excellent chorus that lifted the roof off the hall and with some good dance numbers and strong set of principals we had a very good production from Ken Redfern and his team.
This show came with a Charles Dickens (Tony Thompson) who gave a strong narration throughout. In the leading role of Scrooge was Gerard Riley. He gave an excellent performance capturing both the nastiness and fun that we expect from this character. Working hard along side him was Paul Sarginson as Cratchit and supporting him was Tracey Biles as Mrs Cratchit. All three were good choices for their roles. Ben Moriarty as Tiny Tim sang lovely and brought a tear to the eye.
Mike Webb as Marley look great and gave an assured performance as did Betty Chesworth as Christmas Past. Andrew Gibson as Christmas Present looked every inch the part and with strong acting and singing he brought fun to this role. Congratulations to Andy Sharkey and Catherine Baddeley as Fred and his wife. Some good vocal work from all soloists.
Congratulations to Paul Mosley on a terrific set. This is by no means an easy show to stage, but this worked exceptionally well and had just enough hidden magic to keep you guessing. Scene changes were slick and I am sure you were proud of your work. A great team effort to all concerned and as I said I look forward to the next one. Many thanks for looking after Bob and me during the evening.
SEUSSICAL - THE MUSICAL
Mossley AODS
Artistic Director Colin Ward
Musical Director Mike Bramhall
Choreographer Michael Ward
Associate Director Martyn Preston
Want to do something completely different? Then this is the show for you. What does it have that makes it special? Well it has fun, comedy, tragedy, laughter and tears not to mention a great magical story, super music, and of course the very talented group who put this on.
To give a short synopsis of this story is going to be very difficult but here goes. A boy is drawn towards a red and white striped hat, and imagines what type of wonderful person would wear such a hat. The Cat in the Hat suddenly appears, and begins singing about the power of imagination (Oh the Thinks You Can Think). As the characters of the story are introduced, the boy and the Cat use their imaginations to transport everyone to the Jungle of Nool for the first of many wonderful adventures.
Under an imaginative production team and with a fantastic and colourful set this show was a wow from beginning to end! The lighting and sound for this production was excellent and added the mystery and clarity that we are coming to expect from our societies nowadays, but not everyone is achieving it. There was no one on the stage (and there were many children in this cast) who did not have a fabulous time and enjoy everything that they did. Faces came alive and each individual person acted out their own little role to perfection. So much detail had been given to enhance each performer.
Nadia Balfe (The Cat in the Hat) and Lauren Holland (JoJo) were perfect choices. Both gave superb performances and their singing was excellent, certainly two names to keep an eye on for the future. Vicky Ward (Gertrude) has a wonderful perception of comedy and her facial expressions were great. Gary Jones made a fabulous Horton. His singing has improved so much this year and he managed to capture all sorts of emotions in his performance. I said some years ago that we should keep watching this young man and he has certainly proved to me over the years that he is a terrific ‘all rounder’. For Sarah Thewlis as Mayzie this was certainly something very different for her to play. She looked great in her feathers and carried the part off well. Sour Kangaroo was performed by Lisa Kay and she also was well chosen for this strong role. We had a trio of Birds who sang their hearts out , these were played by Helen Burke, Rachel Farrow and Heather Jones, - how well together they worked. There was also a trio of monkeys call The Wickersham Brothers. Some excellent dancing and singing from all three by way of Ben Turton, Robert Moutrey and Nick Ward. Holly Mia Simpson and John Hankin teamed up for Mr & Mrs Mayor and looked great together. Daniel Winters as Grinch, and Jenny Hallam as Vlad Vladkoff gave strong and sincere performances and Jack Monoghan as the General proved to have a wonderful comedy streak in him. His body language never faultered.
This was truly a team effort all round. The directors paid a lot of attention to the smallest details. Some fabulous and imaginative choreography performed with slick precision and lots of energy and the MD gave this show just the right pace. The costumes - simple, colourful and well stated added to this excellent production. Thank you all for a truly wonderful evenings entertainment and for the hospitality afford to us all.
SHOWBIZ
Brookdale Youth Theatre
Entire Production Valerie Brook
How great it is to have Valerie Brook where she belongs, back in charge of a youth group again and were we disappointed – certainly not. From memory her standard has always been very high and this new group at Brookdale that she has become involved with are no exception. With snippets from well known shows, the company sang, danced and acted its socks off.
Slick tap routines were performed and some delightful singing from everyone. To name everyone is not possible, however, congratulations must go to Dominic Khouri, David White, Matthew Rigby, Felicity Khouri, Amy Hall, Louise Miller, Chris Baxendale, Alex Langton and Andrew Fenton.
All of those who appeared in sketches did exceptionally well and here we saw new talent in the making. How fortunate for Brookdale to have these youngsters to encourage along for future musicals and plays that are performed here. It’s a society’s dream to be able to choose from such a talented lot and all I can say is, hang on to them.
Congratulations, one and all, for a fabulous night’s entertainment. Brookdale Theatre must be very proud of this new youth group and in particular Valerie’s production, dedication and professionalism. Thank you for your kind hospitality.
SINBAD THE SAILOR
Hyde Little Theatre
Director Janice Houghton
Musical Director Glenys Slater
Choreographer Katherine Shenton
Asst. Choreographer Laura Humble
As always this pantomime got off to a great start with very enthusiastic children singing and dancing their way through the storyline. With children as young as 3 years old there was definitely and ‘ah’ factor throughout.
Once again principal boy Shelley Ridler showed her versatility in this role. She was well matched against Laura Holden as Talida and together they worked well. Another good performance came from Paul Booth as Tinbad the Tailor. Paul quickly gets the audience on his side and the kids love him. Newcomers to this society, Anthony Petrykowski and Michael Taylor, also did well in this pantomime, again getting right into their characters. Bobby Connolly as the Dame looked great and had just the right approach to the character. However, on this occasion he was not quite word perfect making those around him work very hard to keep the dialogue flowing. Two promising performances from Mark Sattler and Vanessa Brooks. I would like to have seen stronger performances from Sinistro, The Caliph, and The Wazir. Other principals were well cast and the small speaking parts given to younger members were very well delivered.
Some colourful costumes and a good set brought everything to life.
Some of the taped music ended rather abruptly on occasions but well
done to the drummer who paid attention to detail and enhanced the panto
plot! Many thanks for your kind hospitality.
WHEN SATURDAY COMES
Tameside Youth Drama Group
Director Dennis Nash
Musical Director Barry Thorpe
Choreographer Rachel Gooding
This musical has been especially written for young people by Darren Villier. Set in a local park, the musical is about teenage life, how they are misunderstood by their families and the people they fancy that don’t even look at them. As two rival gangs battle for ownership of the park there is only one way to settle it – a game of football.
The leaders of the two gangs were competently played by Daniel Lowry and Catherine Hallesey. Both showed promising acting skills and maintained their characters throughout. Sophie Ward as Tracey head of the Judettes was well chosen for this role and had good clear dialogue as did Abigail Holden as Kenneth and Bethany Linsdell as Jodie, who proved to also have a strong singing voice as well.
The other principals, whilst trying to maintain their characters, sometimes lacked good diction thus loosing some of the punch lines within the dialogue. This is a remedy that can be worked on in the projection of the voice and slowing down the dialogue a little when speaking. In this show the age range was up 14 so bearing this in mind I feel sure there will be an improvement.
The chorus numbers were very strong and enthusiastic, even the youngest members aged 6 gave a good performance. Congratulations to Sally Walsh and Kerrianne Maloney who played Nibbler and Maggot. Both of these youngsters are very promising and worked well together, using good facial expressions, good diction and a good sense of timing showing through. I was very pleased to award these two with a special trophy, given on behalf of the company in the name of NODA for their performance, I hope that you and others will be encouraged by this new award and know that even the smallest part in any show can impress us, the audience.
Thank you for your kind hospitality, I shall look forward to seeing you again.