September 2006 - Region 2 - Keith Painter
COPACABANA
Lytham Academy of Theatre Arts
Simon Cowell, Sharon Osborne, Louis Walsh, if you are looking for new talent look no further than this group of truly outstanding performers!
This production hit the stage running and accelerated its way through to a spectacular finale. The leading players give truly memorable performances notably Michael Kerr (Stephen/Tony Starr), Lucie Sumner (Samantha/Lola Lamarr), Oliver Ashworth (Rico Castelli), Stephanie Darling (Conchita Anvarez) Simon Waterworth (Sam Silver) and Caroline Gaunt (Gladys Murphy).
Stephen dreams of creating the next big hit and is transferred to a
bygone era of extravagant show productions, with Ziegfeld type show girls
in wonderful costumes with head-dresses to die for. Lola starts on a
round of auditions, dragging herself, to various locations, giving her
music to the pianist, then proceeding to climb onto the piano and regaling
herself in various poses only to hear, before she's sung a couple of
lines, "next!" (This business was visually excellent and had
to be seen to be appreciated). Undaunted she gets her break and becomes
a 'Copa Girl'.
Into the show comes Rico: captivated by Lola, he kidnaps her and takes
her to Havana. Tony follows to take Lola back to the 'Copa'. There ensues
the triangle of love, jealousy and murder.
The director was Lynda Clarkson and to get to this standard there must be the utmost respect and regard for each other between Lynda and the company. Musical director was Nick Bennett, choreographer Pat Sumner. There was a superb scenery and lighting plot designed by Philip Sykes. Costumes not from a costumier but, unbelievably, designed and made by members.
This was a flawless production and my congratulations go to everyone
who contributed in however small a way. A truly outstanding and remarkable
evening's entertainment.
Ken Robinson
BACK TO THE '80s
Manx Operatic Society
Director and Staged by John Cumberlidge
Musical Director: David Holland
This new compilation musical with all the old '80s' songs and, if you're anything like me, they had all faded from my memory.
With a thin story line and a minimal set a lesser society would find it hard to mount this production to say the least but the night a saw this show the theatre rocked with enthusiasm! And so much energy! What both amateur and professional companies strive for to give the best that that cast can give and in that they totally succeeded.
Where the performers are concerned, this is a company with very few weak links and to say that the principals were well supported by the chorus is to state the accepted norm.
Corey Palmer (senior) was played well by Phil Bird who took command of the stage each time he interjected. Corey Palmer (Junior) was a tour de force by John Barlow - a great characterisation. David Artus gave his usual faultless performance as Michael Feldman and Alex Beck gave an outstanding performance as Feargal McFerrin.
Not to be outdone we had good performances from Marie Jennings as Miss Brannigan, Suzanne Kelly as Tiffany and Liza Dancox as Eileen plus two smashing cameos from Emma Gleave and Jane Subachus who played Eileen's sidekicks, Debbie and Laura.
My congratulations to the whole cast - many thanks.
Trivial Pursuits
Preston Drama Club
The play was performed at the Playhouse in Preston. The society made good use of the scenery and props in producing a convincing patio and garden. The comedy by Frank Vickery revolves around the local amateur operatic society having a barbeque at which their latest show is to be announced. I hadn't seen this play before but by the end of the night I had recognised all of the characters from my own society - and others! I think being involved with the amateurs probably made the play more interesting for me and certainly we all had a great laugh. An excellent play with all the characters playing their parts well. Thank you all.
Titanic the Musical
Blackpool Operatic Players
With such a large cast the producer and choreographer, Steve Chesters, did well to keep control. The officers and crew of the ship and the first, second and third class passengers sang and danced their hearts out. Some of the notable character parts included the owner of the White Star Line and his architect and the Captain of the Titanic. The crew all worked well and the passengers had some great cameo parts too.
This was the first time I had seen the show and some of the music went over my head so I have now bought the CD and it all makes sense! The scenery looked good and I liked the way the ship tilted for the second half — just a shame the backcloth didn't tilt too! I found the finale confusing and had to ask one of the cast who had survived and who perished. Some of the characters appeared behind a gauze and some in front but it wasn't clear which was which.
The music was just at the right volume and the props, costumes and lighting all very good. This was an interesting show and a fine evening out. Thank you.
Oklahoma!
Our Lady Star of the Sea
This was an ambitious show for the society to tackle but they did it with style. From the opening number right through the show the kids gave their all. Nice character parts included Aunt Eller, a good looking young Curly and a delightful Laurey. The boys and girls of the chorus battled with the songs and dances and kept up the high standard throughout.
The set looked right and the costumes and props matched well. It was just a shame the society had to play in a social club where the World Cup match was being shown next door. I found the noise a bit distracting and felt sorry for the kids after all the hard work they had put in to the show.
Me and My Girl
Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company
I think this was the best part I have ever seen played by Steve Birch — he was just perfect and a good lion tamer too! He had excellent support from Sally, Jacqui and Gerald and was of course under the thumb of the Duchess and Sir John. From the opening number "Weekend at Hareford" to "Me and My Girl" and ending up with "The Lambeth Walk" the first Act was excellent.
The setting of numbers worked very well and looked great with everybody on stage dancing. If anything I think the second Act was even better than the first. I loved the routine with the tiger rug and am still chucking whenever I think of it. Scenery, lighting, costumes and props where all up to the usual high standard. Thank you all.
Annie
Thornton Cleveleys Youth Theatre
The opening scene of the show was spoilt by the music which was so loud people were shouting that they couldn't hear. Despite this setback the show went on to be very good.
The orphans worked well together and Miss Hannigan over powered them all except Annie. Oliver Warbucks played a good character part and he was well supported by Grace. The comedy was supplied by Rooster and Lily and they made a good job of it. The waiters and waitresses looked very smart and had obviously been drilled in their numbers. The mansion scenery and props were just right for the stage. I think by the end of the evening we all wanted to take Annie home with us — she was delightful. Thank you.
Are You Being Served
Fylde Coast Players
The problem with shows that are based on television series is that you cannot help but compare with the characters that you know so well. I think when the character is a bit different it doesn't always work out in their favour. In this instance the characters of Mrs Slocombe and Miss Brahms were first class and very much like their TV counterparts. The gentlemen put their own interpretation into their parts and it didn't quite work for me.
The set of the department store was excellent and very much like the Grace Brothers store we remember - even including a lift. I think I would have enjoyed the play more if I hadn't seen the television series first. Having said that everyone worked hard and the audience appreciated their efforts. Thank you.
The King and I
St Anne's Parish Operatic Society
The producer kept things nice and simple for this show and it worked out well. The show got off to a good start with the opening scene on the boat. The captain and crew played good parts. Anna and Louis supported each other throughout the show. The number "Whistle a Happy Tune" was particularly nice and the entrance of the Kralahome with the servants was very good. Tuptim and Lun Tha sang well together and provided a nice ending to the first Act.
The opening of Act II looked wonderful and the ladies sang delightfully but the outstanding number in the production for me was "Small House of Uncle Thomas" — it was just great to watch. Both boys played their parts well and Anna came across as motherly and warm. The King gave a hundred percent and you can't ask for more than that! Thank you all.
I'll Be Back Before Midnight
St Bernadette's Players
Directed by Bernard Melling.
This was a play with only four characters and all had great stage experience. The story is of a couple who rent a farmhouse for the weekend. They think they are alone until relatives arrive and the farmer comes to tell them the farmhouse is haunted by a ghost who leaves blood on the floor! I sat on the edge of my seat and shivered every time there was a noise and looked for the blood!
The play was well produced and all four of the cast gave an excellent performance. The set and props all looked authentic. I trembled all the way back until I was safely home - with a G & T! Thank you all.
Summer Holiday
St Ambrose Players, Leyland
How nice it was to visit one of my old societies and how welcome they made me. As I travelled there I wondered what they would make of this show and I was not disappointed. From the opening number with dancers, chorus and principals all on stage in the transport cafe the show went along nicely.
When I first saw the boys I didn't think they looked right but they grew on me and by the end I thought they sang and worked together very well. The three girls were the best I have seen in these parts, they sang nicely and looked great.
Somebody had put a lot of thought into the scenery and it looked good on the small stage. I was very impressed with the inside of the bus and thought it looked perfect. The show moved along at a good pace and gave us a wonderful evening. We all had a good singsong because we knew all the songs (those over 50 anyway)! Thanks.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Lytham Amateur Operatic Society
Congratulations to Lytham's committee for choosing to present something new to their audience, which I feel turned into a very successful production.
Set during the French Revolution it tells the story of Sir Percy Blakeney (Chris Dodd), Margette Saint Just (Mandy Squire), and Chauvelin (Chris Campbell). All three gave absolute memorable performances and were well supported in minor principal roles by Julie Filmer, Andy Crawford Lane, Steve Mather and George Airey.
Both ladies and men's chorus played their part with rousing vocal support. Book and lyrics were by Nan Knighton and the music by Frank Wildhorn. Solos, duets, trios and ensembles, were superb. This a score that stays with you and one that you could listen to over and over again. The costumes, sets and lighting all added to a very enjoyable evening.
Production was in the capable hands of Lynda Clarkson. Musical Director
was Sean Ashmore and choreographer Sue Mather.
(Ken Robinson.)
Parking Lot in Pittsburgh
Poulton Drama
This was a play written by Anne Downie and what an absolutely cracking play it is, brilliantly played by a very experienced cast.
The story centres around five sisters from Scotland and is set in two time zones, early 1940s and late 1990s. Maggie Sweeny (Christine Taylor) is the central character and as the play opens we are aware that she has just passed away and the sisters gather. With the mood set the play moves back to 1940s where we meet young Maggie (Alexandra Cunningham) and her fiancee, young Jim (Chris Porter) both beautifully played. Jim is called to serve in the war, and on his return is wheelchair bound and completely locked in his silent and unresponsive world. After two years of visiting Jim in hospital, Maggie seeing no change in Jim's condition decides to move on with her life and emigrates to America, where she works in service for a family in Pittsburgh, for the next 40 years.
While in service her employer persuades her to buy a derelict piece of land which later becomes a parking lot. It turns out to be a good investment and she eventually sells it for 3 million dollars. At this point her four sisters get involved and persuade Maggie to return to her roots, each one tries to lay claim to her by providing a roof over her head. Tiring quickly of her sister's squabbles Maggie moves herself into a residential home, and decides to find out what happened to Jim. She finds him still in hospital apparently in the same condition she left him in 40 years earlier. She visits him in the hospital and tries to explain who she is, and as she grasps his hand, Jim gently squeezes her hand as a sign of recognition.
From here the play moves to its finale with a Hitchcock like twist which I will keep to myself. Sufficient to say if you do get a chance to see this play, please go! But, take a packet of tissues with you.
The sisters were played by Sally Grey, Linda Hunter, Julia Zakrzewski and Marion Campbell. Maggie's niece by Carey Guite, support was given by Paul Bradley, Steve Cook, Jonathan Brown and Geoff Porter. The play was directed by Renee and Ian Ames.
Congratulations to everybody! This was a memorable theatre experience.
(Ken Robinson)
Carmen
Preston Opera
This is the third production of Carmen I have seen Preston Opera give and sadly, it was by far the weakest, starting with a very bland and lack lustre opening chorus by the men. We waited for the arrival of Carmen and the factory girls. Unfortunately this Carmen looked less like a gypsy than anybody I have seen with her pale, white face and fair hair. I feel there is more to playing Carmen than having a lovely voice and being able to sing the "Habanera" and the "Seguedilla". She needs passion, seductiveness and emotion. Sadly this Carmen was found wanting. She was supported by a slightly paunchy Don José and an Escamillo who gave the impression that he loved himself more than Carmen.
There were some pieces that were up to the high standard you expect from Preston Opera, when I think of Aida, Manon, Norma, Nabucco, and more recently The Bartered Bride. These included Michaela's (Marie Louise Lane) glorious aria and quintet between Frasquita, Mercedes, Dancaire, Remandado and Carmen. The performances of Frasquita (Emma Johnston) - now here was my idea of a gypsy from Seville, dark haired, olive skinned and a Carmen-in-waiting, Mercedes (Helen Shorey), equally gypsy looking supported her well.
I left the theatre feeling a little disappointed. Also the orchestra was reduced in numbers from the usual 25 to 30 and down to just 13. This seemed to have an effect on performances and upon enquiry found it was due to the theatre's health and safety policy.
In the programme I noticed that their next production is to be Verdi's Macbeth and they are transferring from the Charter Theatre into the Guildhall with a full orchestra. I look forward to that and a return to the high standard performances.
(Ken Robinson)
Move over Mrs Markham
Windmill Players
Comedy Farce to work well relies on several main ingredients. Firstly set design, plenty of doors, exits and entrances - this production had that! Secondly, mistaken identity and innuendo - it had that! Thirdly, trouser dropping - it had that, but, more importantly than all these elements it relies mainly on timing and this production had that in abundance.
Set in the Markham apartment several friends arrange to use the apartment in the evening for secret liaisons, including the maid. Believing that the Markhams are out for the evening she tries to set herself up with the interior designer who arrived to sort out curtains and cushion covers. In the end the Markhams decide to stay at home and the mayhem started.
Pauline Elvidge, David Priestly (Markhams), Judi Adams, Alan Dickinson (Lodges), Krisia Dugdale (Sylvie) were all excellent in their roles and were supported by Denise Flynn, Joanna Riley and David Baxter. But Chris Hudson in the role of the designer gave a very experienced performance for a newcomer to the group.
The set and their props were excellent. The production was by Betty Horrocks who deserves great credit for bringing farce to this very high standard.
(Ken Robinson)
Thank you for the Music
Thornton-Cleveleys Operatic Society
It's a grand night for singing or so the song title goes, well this certainly was that. Thornton Operatic, after many years, were actually performing in Thornton and doing what they do better than any other society! 52 numbers from 36 different shows, operas and musicals. Numbers from Austin Powers to West Side Story and everything in between.
There were some notable principal solos and duets, mainly Carol Ballantyne, "With One Look" (Sunset Boulevard) and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" (Phantom of the Opera), "Why, God, Why" sung by Philip Baddeley from (Miss Saigon), "Pie Jesu" (Requiem)' performed by Janet Kipling and Nicola Cooper, "The Flower Duet" from Lakme sung by Carol Langford and Judi Adams and Philip Baddeley and the men's chorus "Bui Doi" from Miss Saigon.
Both the ladies and men's chorus worked extremely hard, and were given the occasional break by seven hard working dancers.
The whole show was produced and choreographed by Dianne Skinner - congratulations to her! The music was in the capable hand of David Chadwick and a quartet of musicians.
I suspect everybody left the theatre feeling they had been well entertained
and with a song in their heart. Thank you for the music!
(Ken Robinson)
Summer Holiday
St. Anne's Amateur Dramatic Society
This is just the second production I have seen of this show, the first one being a few years ago at Blackpool Opera House starring Darren Day.
When I say I don't recall enjoying that show any better than this I hope that conveys the high standard this one achieved. With a story line that is about as strong as a 'Pot Lion', to make it work you need outstanding performances and this show had them in abundance.
The four lads that take the London bus for its excursion across Europe were first class; Don (Gavin Kirkham), Edwin (Daniel Murphy), Cyril (Peter Taylor), and Steve (James Kennedy). On the journey they meet a girl's singing group who are stranded; three more outstanding performances - Angie (Francis Hampton), Mimsie (Rachael Kirkham) and Alma (Sandra Appleton). They join forces and encounter Barbara (Lucie Sumner) who is on the run from an awful pushy mother wanting her to be a big star. Here was a wonderful performance of the highest O.T.T. interpretation by Michelle Davey, nobly assisted by Stewart Harland.
Sets, props, lighting and costumes all added to a most enjoyable and entertaining evening. The production director was Steve Chesters, the Choreographer Rachael Kirkham and the Musical Director was Peter Weston.
All are to be congratulated for injecting such verve and vivacity into the show.
(Ken Robinson)
April in Paris
Poulton Drama
One Play, two people, two chairs, two hours, these were the ingredients for Poulton Drama's latest offering. The play tells the story of Bet (Marion Campbell) and her husband Al (Phil Corner) who are muddling along in a tired relationship. Al just having lost his job has resorted to spending all his time in his shed trying to be an artist, while Bet spends all her time buying magazines (that Al thought they couldn't afford), just to enter the competitions to win prizes which more or less failed, until she wins a holiday to Paris.
Things move on rapidly as we see them preparing for this break. The journey to the ferry, the crossing, the time spent in Paris seeing all the sights and all that it entails. Then the return home and everything reverts to what is, for them, norm. Both characters Bet and Al were superb throughout.
To hold an audience's interest and to entertain them for two hours was an achievement.
Credit must be given to Colin Johnston the director and designer for having the imagination that these two characters could make this work with just a chair each for props. Congratulations all round.
(Ken Robinson)