January 2006 - Region 11 - Edith Yates
SUMMER HOLIDAY
Walney Musical Theatre Company
Artistic Director : David Marcus
Musical Director : Peter Dyer
Choreographer : Deborah Brown
On a very cold and frosty evening I went to visit Walney Musical Theatre Company's production of Summer Holiday; this was the first time I had seen this musical as a stage show, but like most people I remember well the Cliff Richard film.
The story concerns three 'bus mechanics, Edwin, Steve and Cyril, their best mate Don, (who didn't at all fancy a wet holiday in Clacton) and who comes up with a plan. Together, down at the bus depot, they refurbish an old London bus and decide to drive to the south of France. The three mechanics played by Wayne Buckley, Craig Mitchell and Martin Craig portrayed their characters brilliantly.
Three damsels in distress, Angie, Alma and Mimsie otherwise known as singers 'Do, Re, Mi', whose car had broken down are given a lift in the bus by the boys to Athens! Deborah Brown, in addition to choreographing the show, showed her talent playing Alma, and together with Louise Marshall and Deborah Bird gave super performances.
I particularly enjoyed Chris Warby in the lead role of Don. He was just right for the part, was well supported by Ailsa McIntosh taking the part of the American singing star, Barbara Winters, who, while in Paris, stowed away on the bus which just happened to have a stop over. She played the part convincingly and sang beautifully.
The two performances really to catch the eye where those of Elaine Parkinson playing Stella, the stage mother from hell, and David Marcus as the hapless Jerry; two superb cameo performances!
All the other roles, and those of the bridesmaids, were well done. The company numbers were lively, full of enthusiasm and energy. This was a very colourful show. It captured the '60s perfectly.
I'm not sure about the yellow shorts guys, ut what the heck! Anything goes on a summer holiday!
The whole production team must be congratulated. This show was a jolly good evening's entertainment and deserved a larger audience.
(K.E.0)
BUGSY MALONE
KIDS ON THE BAY… STORTH ENTERTAINERS JUNIOR THEATRE WORKSHOP
Kids on the Bay gave the packed houses a real treat with an exuberant, exciting and highly skilful production of the ever popular musical, Bugsy Malone. The thirty one youngsters, between the ages of eight and seventeen, did full justice to the excellent script by Alan Parker and memorable music and lyrics from Paul Williams. A well thought out a stage plan running the whole length of the hall parallel to the tiered seating gave these talented youngsters ample stage area to display their abilities. All the scene changes were effected by lighting which meant that the pace and continuity never flagged. In fact, everyone back stage should be congratulated. Lighting and sound effect cues were spot on and the wardrobe from Charades at St.Helens was authentic down to the last detail. Storth Entertainers have an enviable reputation for their professional approach on and off stage and this production maintained this standard. A delightful touch was the appearance of six members of the cast in the foyer thanking the audience for their support at the end of the evening.
So to the cast! Diction was outstanding ... not a mumbler in sight! American accents were not overcooked. Custard pies and splurge guns were kept well under control. Indeed one felt throughout that the cast were in charge. They waited for the audience to laugh and applaud. This relaxed the audience knowing that they were not going to miss anything. With a cast of this size it is impossible to mention everyone individually. The young ladies in the chorus, led by Bethan Robertson as Tallulah and Holly Richardson as Bangles, sang and danced delightfully in the two very contrasting numbers , 'Fat Sam's Grand Slam' and Bethan's solo number 'My Name is Tallulah'. Equally in 'Bad Guys', ten young men brilliantly danced badly!! Storth really has some talent in both choruses.
The two gang leaders were well contrasted with the bumbling, inefficient Fat Sam, played by George Simpson, and the smooth operator, Dandy Dan, played by Robbie McEwan. George was quite outstanding displaying acting ability and stage presence way beyond his years. We enjoyed some lovely cameo performances from Robert Davies as Bronx Charlie, Tom Mangan as Knuckles, Kenny Edwards as Doodles and Rachel Coates and Rebecca Smith as the comedy Cops, O'Dreary and Smolsky. Alex Clegg played a number of small roles as did Jacky Bradley but both deserve a mention for their facial expressions as Leroy and Cagey Joe, as do Kirsty Gott and Oliver Adair who both displayed great versatility in different roles.
All the smaller parts and the 'one liners' kept in character and reacted well to everything happening around them.
Finally to three outstanding talents. Along with Fat Sam, George Simpson, mentioned previously, Laura Percival as Fizzy and the two leads Alex Simpson as Bugsy and Jennie Blake as Blousey Brown all gave immaculate performances. The part of Fizzy is far from easy, so much is unspoken acting but Laura discharged the part well and in particular sang the lovely haunting number 'Tomorrow' to much deserved applause. Superlatives are inadequate to describe the performances of Jennie, George and alex. They were outstanding in all respects.
Well done to them and, indeed, to every single member of the cast and to the production team of Jude Johnson, Chorus Mistress and Choreographer, Keith Nunn, accompanist and Mike Cooper, who directed the show.
We now look forward to 2006 at Theatre on the Bay with the Pantomime Snow
White in January, the ever popular Musical Oliver! in
May followed by Mike Harding's comedy Comfort and Joy in
September.
(Pauline Walton)
YEOMEN OF THE GUARD
STAVELEY A.O.S.
Adequate scenery and a good orchestra set the scene for this production.
The star of this show, for me, was Jack Point, played by Aleissandros Paris. He gave a very energetic performance and his singing was certainly to his credit. I did like Elsie Maynard played by Lynda Read, with her lovely singing and strong acting. Madeline Campbell played Phoebe with all the necessary humour required with this character, and together with Shadbolt played by Stephen Thompson they were a perfect couple.
Sergeant Meryll was played by Sandy Lofthouse and he sang 'Rapture, Rapture' with Dame Caruthers, played by Ann Wodeman, with every confidence – well done! Richard Chalmondley played by Geoff Hitchen and Col. Fairfax played by Derek Bamber had been well cast in their parts. Three juniors, Megan Hawker, Peter Butcher and Asher Amor-Train respectively playing, dancer, juggler and acrobat, all added to extra entertainment.
Congratulations must go to Doreen Dunlop for her production with a strong chorus and a good orchestra.
CAROUSEL
MORECAMBE WARBLERS A.O.S.
To me, Carousel usually has a slow opening, but this production moved along at a cracking pace throughout.
Anna Scott had been suitably cast as Julie Jordan, coupled with Carrie Pipperridge played by Hannah Peel. Billy Bigelow was well interpreted by Mark Jeffreys and he worked well with Jigger Craigin played by Graham Blease. Jean Miller captured the character of Nettie Fowler with every confidence and a lovely 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Valerie Crompton made a good demanding Mrs Mullin.
The ballet performed by Louise (Larissa Stuart-Burgess) was excellent – thanks to Carol Liptrott, the choreographer. John Atkinson captured the role of Enoch Snow with every confidence, coupled with the well drilled Snow children. The smaller parts such as Star Keeper and Heavenly Friend had been well cast. Thanks must go to the producer, Steve Chesters, for a very good show, and also to Peter Hamborg, the musical director for his control of the orchestra.
The chorus worked well with good entrances and exits.
BLITZ!
KENDAL A.O.S.
The opening scene, which takes place in an underground station during an air-raid in London, brings out the camaraderie which existed during the war. This is brought out in the opening number 'Our Hotel'.
The dominating widow, Mrs Blitztein, who is the leader of the community with her large family, was superbly played by Meril Bull. Her rendition of 'So Tell Me, Jack' was brilliant bringing out all the pathos required. The real Cockney, Alfie Lockw,who had served in the previous war, had all the caustic wit against Mrs.Blitztein. This character was again well played by Gordon Woodhouse. Andy Bond was well disguised as Mr. Nearmiss, who is a good foil for Alfie, and Andy gave his all with this character.
One of Mrs Blitztein's daughters. Carol, is blinded during an air-raid, and Susan Brain brought out all the sympathy with this character, and worked very well with her boyfriend, George Locke, played by Bob Christie. A good number in this show is 'As Long As This Is England' sung by Alfie Locke and Mr. Nearmiss. Another good number is 'Who's This Geezer Hitler'. Bob Bailey was a good character as Harry Blitztein.
The children had been schooled well and did great with their number 'Mums and Dads'.
Colin Stamper and his crew had done a good job with the scenery, special effects, and lighting.
A good production all adds up to the hard work by Kerry Hartin, the Producer and Choreographer. All smaller characters had been well cast and all worked well together.
MY FAIR LADY
ULVERSTON A.O.S.
Allan Lewis gave a very impressive, very confident performance as Higgins. And congratulations must go to Amy Larcombe for a splendid Eliza (quite a different character from the one she played only the week before (Fantine in Les Misérables).
Bill Springthorpe made a convincing Col. Pickering, and, as I have said before, it is difficult to act at doing nothing, but Bill carried it off extremely well.
As usual we had another splendid performance from Russ Palmer, making the best of the loveable rogue, Alfred P. Doolittle. His number 'With a Little Bit of Luck' went down well. He was assisted suitably by Harry (Terry Leech) and Jamie (Ken Hindle) who joined him in this number. Rob Buttery played Freddy Eynsford-Hill with every confidence. Mrs Higgins (Dot Pass) and Mrs Eynsford-Hill had been well cast and carried off their parts with all the necessary dignity required, as did Myra Billinghurst who played Mrs Pearce.
The good chorus worked well and had been well directed, with some lovely movements. All smaller parts had been well cast and all worked together as a team. Good costumes always add to the success of this show especially in the 'Ascot Scene'.
Barbara Springthorpe succeeded with her production along with Doreen Dunlop and her orchestra. Ulverston are clever the way they use each side of the proscenium, which enables the continuity to flow successfully.
I am looking forward to Goodnight, Mr.Tom in 2006.
LES MISÉRABLES (School Edition)
WALNEY JUNIOR A.O.S.
Paul Williamson scored very highly with his performance of Jean Valjean. The audience was held from his opening number to the finale. He brought the house down with his rendition of 'Bring Him Home'.
This Society brought out all the tension and deep feeling required with this production.
Clare Rigg and Graham Barker (Artistic Directors) must be congratulated having worked so hard with all the children The scenery was simple yet very effective with special mention of the barricade, which had been cleverly constructed and used to perfection by the children which was very moving. Good lighting and effects helped this scene.
Marius, the student leader, was well played by Jack Hawitt, along with Scott Harper playing Javert. Amy Larcombe gave her usual excellent performance playing Fantine, and Lorna McIntosh captured the delightful Cosette. Paige Cook admirably captured the character of Eponine.
All the characters were well portrayed along with the excellent chorus, with lovely movement, especially the finale. The juniors captured the difficult music as good as any adult society. A good orchestra, which contained many juniors, was led by Ian Bird.
The whole performance was certainly well received and given a standing ovation which was richly deserved.