September 2006 - Region 5 - Glyn Neary
HOT MIKADO
Farnworth Performing Arts Company
Not a show for the purists of Gilbert & Sullivan, but perfect for the younger members of any society, which was evident here at Farnworth with a superb production.
The scenery by Scene Change & the Company transformed the Albert Hall in Bolton to a night club in Titipu (just outside of Chicago. Japan!!) with remarkable effect and together with the excellent lighting to set the mood, gave this production the perfect start.
The pace of the show was evident from the opening of "We are Gentlemen of Japan" and was maintained throughout , thanks to Musical Director Craig Smith and a very competent orchestra.
Christian Brabin as Nanki-Poo, the Mikado's son, and Charlotte McGrory as Yum-Yum were ideal, and together with Katisha, played by Kathryn Gorton, and Ko-Ko played by Mark Leigh made for an interesting love triangle.
Pish-Tush, played by Scott Unsworth, and Pooh-Bah, played by Philip Harrison, together with the Mikado himself, played by Roger Nuttall, all aquitted themselves without a blemish.
The singing was of a high standard, but I was most impressed with a superb rendition of the "Three Little Maids From School" by Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing [Charlotte Unsworth] and Peep-Bo' (Helen Lord) reminiscent of the Andrew Sisters - excellent!!!
Congratulations to choreographer, Marje Brayshaw and producer, Connor O'Beirne, for a production that brought life, pace, and continuity to something akin to G & S.
After the show, I had the privilege to present NODA long service awards to-:
- Mrs. Nessie Martin 60 years.
- Mr.Glyn Neary North West Area Sec. 50 years
- Mr. Gordon Bustard 50 Years
- Ms. Helen Lord 10 Years
- Ms. Elaine Nuttall 10 Years
- Ms. Ann Marie Gorsuch 10 years
Kenn Webb
The Vagabond King
St Catherines AMS
Musical Director: Allen Christey
This partly staged version of this wonderful operetta was superbly sung and welcomed by an appreciative audience and what better way of bringing these wonderful shows to life again short of a full production.
Having sat through several 'new musicals' many do not have the feel-good response on hearing them like this one does.
The two leading characters of Villon and Katherine were in the safe hands of David and Eileen Reeves; Anthony Meehan was a humorous Guy Tabarie and we had a wonderful rendition of 'Love for Sale' from Irene Holmes who sang the role of Huguette.
Supported by Dennis Meehan, Debbie Bolton, Colin Dean and a wonderful chorus who sang their hearts out I wait in anticipation for next years Student Prince.
Colin Magenty
Sweeney Todd
Walmsley Church AODS
This challenging Sondheim musical needs talent, dedication and enthusiasm for any company to stage successfully this fiendishly difficult show and Walmsley had all this in spades. Sondheim is, of course, an acquired taste and not everyone's cup of tea, or meat pies for that matter! However, Nora Howcroft's production of this dark musical drama would certainly give the audience a taste of what this composer is all about: melodic music, heroes, heroines and pretty costumes do not come into the equation. However, the bottom line is, was the piece well done, was it enjoyable entertainment? And for me this production was just that.
Steve Benson gave a powerfully 'dark' performance as Sweeney Todd; strong emotions, excellent vocally and good facial expressions as he sought revenge for past injustices. Alison Smith was equally good vocally and brought a wry sense of humour to the character of Mrs Lovatt as her 'meat pie' empire flourished.
The young lovers, Lindsay Farnworth (Johanna) and James Eccleshare (Anthony) were well matched in both acting and singing ability. David Reeves turned in a strong performance as the menacing Judge as did Mike Fallon as the conniving Beadle.
Eileen Reeves was brilliant as the deranged Beggar Woman; David Witt was an extravagant Pirelli; Mike Bailey gave an assured performance as Fogg whilst Joel Cheetham was excellent in the demanding role of Tobias — not an easy part to portray for one so young. All in all an exceedingly strong principal line up.
I must congratulate the production team on the chorus discipline and particularly the 15 year old Musical Director Ben Smith for his exceptional control of the orchestra.
Technically this was a superb production with the stage crew, led by David Millett, creating a wonderfully 'dark' setting for the piece. This was further enhanced by excellent lighting from John Cocking and Norman Bowers and sound from Derek Bramwell.
Props and costumes also played their part in what was an excellent piece of theatre — very well done indeed.
Disco Inferno
CATS Youth Theatre
Centred around classic hits from the '70s the storyline follows the trials, tribulations and aspirations of the clientele of the Disco Inferno nightclub. The main theme of the story concerns Jack (Joshua Little) the nightclub's general factotum who is duped into selling his soul by Lady Marmalade (Gemma Hayes), the devil's handmaiden, to become the clubs lead singer and to usurp the current incumbent Heathcliffe (Jonathan Cunliffe). Via a multitude of classic rock numbers and several other members of the club, as with all good stories, everything is amicably resolved in the end.
As I have come to expect from this group there were several outstanding performances. Lady Marmalade (Gemma Hayes) along with her fallen angels (Carolina Garcia-Cox, Rebekah Sandiford and Emily Sinclair), Jack (Joshua Little), Jane (Lucy Telleck) and Nick Diablo (Ryan Stanton) all caught the eye. I also cannot fail to mention Daniel Whitehead who emulated Wayne Rooney (although he didn't get sent off) by breaking a metatarsal prior to the production. This young man is an excellent actor on two legs and only proved, with the part of Tom, that he is equally good on one leg and two crutches — an outstanding effort.
Sets looked good, scene changes were swift and efficient and lighting added much to the nightclub atmosphere. I understand the desire to use everyone as much as possible in production numbers but with such a large company the stage, at times, was a little crowded which led to repetitive movements ( please keep an eye on the finishing time where youngsters are involved!!)
Having said that this was a lively production of some merit from Louise Cohen and an ideal choice for a youth group. Congratulations to all concerned.
The Pirates of Penzance
The Three Towns OS
This ever popular G & S show went down exceedingly well with the capacity audience and Rod Dakin's orchestra played the tuneful score brilliantly which added much to the production by David Kay.
With a mixture of traditional and modern this production had plenty of interesting and amusing touches which the large chorus obviously relished performing.
David Kay, despite a problem with an uncooperative beard, was a wonderful Major-General Stanley turning in a polished and witty performance whilst Jean Horrocks made as good a Ruth as there is to be seen on the amateur circuit (including a believable Cornish accent). George Ashcroft, as the senior piratical delinquent, was very good and the most extravagantly costumed Pirate King I have ever seen and Allen Christey was excellent as his second -in-command, Samuel.
A vocally strong performance came from Jim Lancaster as Frederic who
was equally matched by Lisa Murphy as the flighty Mabel.
Janet Rees, Vivian Warbis and Susan Batrak were excellent as Edith, Kate
and Isabel whilst Mel Bailey was an absolute gem as the Sergeant of Police.
He was ably supported by a keystone cops styled bunch of policemen who
extracted every ounce of humour from their numbers.
The set design by Frank Bowdler was simple but very effective and the whole evening was just a joy at which to be present.
I was pleased to present long service medals to Mrs S Batrak (10 years), Mr D Jones (20 years), Mrs E Murphy, Mrs C Kay, Mrs C Rynn, Mrs C Williams (25 years) and Mr G Orrell (30 years).
Many thanks for your hospitality and a wonderful evening's entertainment.
Out of Sight Out of Murder
St Vincent's DS
Having retired to a gloomy old house to write his new book author Peter Knight is suffering 'writers block' and struggling to put together a storyline. Vague ideas for his characters are forming in his mind when, after a sudden bolt of lightning, characters begin to appear in the flesh — so to speak. The only 'real' people in the house being the author and his part time housekeeper Minna.
The rather bemused author Peter Knight was played with conviction by Bert Halliday whilst the rather eccentric housekeeper Minna was played with assured aplomb by Mary Riley.
The characters then began to appear as if from some celestial casting couch.
In order of metamorphosis came Lydia, the femme fatale of the piece, whose seductive charms were well portrayed by Carmella Horne closely followed by the inevitable butler Cogburn, played as only he can by Stanley Porter, the very epitome of what a butler should be. Then followed the 'sweet as syrup', rather dithery, Kay Kelsey in the capable hands of Julie Kappin and Fiona the rather brusque, self-righteous spinster played in her own inimitable style by Joan Rogers. Addie, the rather flighty maid, played by Katie Dobinson was closely followed by Dick Stanton, played at very short notice by Paul Walker (you wouldn't have noticed) and finally the inevitable solicitor well played by Patrick Maloney.
The set design, construction and properties were well done. However, the set did not seem to fall into the category of a 'gloomy old house' as described in the libretto.
I will not reveal who gets 'bumped off and when because, if you get the chance, you should try and see a production of this play — the plot line is quite clever.
Another excellent all round play by the company and director Howard Clare — very well done.
>It Runs in the Family
Farnworth PAC
Director: John Price
This society excels with comedy pieces and this was no different from the last time I saw them. We had well defined characters and good comedy timing and the laughter seldom stopped. We also had a good set, a large cast and all made for a very enjoyable evening.
Allen Christey played Dr David Mortimer with his usual aplomb, well supported by Scott Alker as Dr Connelly and Colin Dean playing their boss Sir Willoughby Drake. Dr Mortimer's wife was played very well by the experienced Elaine Nuttall and Jane Tate by the pretty Ann Marie Gorsuch.
Sandra Blyth was very funny as the Matron as was the Police Sergeant played by Harvey Walton. We had a nice cameo from Christian Brabin as the son, ably supported by Judith O'Neill and Kath Booth.
But for me two performances stood out, that of Bernard Smith as Bill and a wonderful performance by Ian Duckwoth as Dr Hubert Bonney.
Yet another success for this talented company.
Colin Magenty
PARADISIUM
(World Premier)
Walmsley Church AKT
Director: Sharron Knott
Musical Director: James Eccleshare
Choreographers: Christian Brabin & Sharron Knott
As the title of this new work might suggest this is another slant on the eternal struggle between good and evil which is the driving force behind the storyline. Set, as it is, amongst the flora and fauna of the gardens around us, Paradise, whichever one you happen to live in, is constantly under threat as depicted here.
The unfortunate Garden Fairy (Beth Corrigan) had apparently been abducted by the evil Queen Firebrand (Heather Murphy) to be subjected to some trials and tribulations (40 days in the wilderness one assumes) only to be returned to Paridisium once she had passed the test.
I feel the original abduction ought to have been included at the beginning of the piece, which would have bolstered the storyline somewhat,and explained to the audience, many of whom would not have read the very informative synopsis, just what was happening and the sudden appearance of the Beasties.
As is tradition in Paradisium, at sunrise, Boris, the Badger (Jonny Cunliffe), is the next new arrival who is then introduced to Niall, the Nettle (Jamie Fletcher), Phyll, the Poppy (Sophie Allan), Tom, the Thistle (Daniel Bolton), Dana, the Daffodil (Rachael Whitehead) and finally Emma, the English Rose. Creditable vocal performances came from all those aforementioned.
The music, whilst not instantly recognisable, was quite melodic, would undoubtably grow on one with enough exposure, and the lyrics were also appropriate.
The set, as one might expect, was painted with pseudo Disney styled flora; lighting was good (despite a little over use of strobe effects) whilst the costume and make up departments were excellent - but they certainly had their work cut out.
There is a multitude of smaller parts (insects and plants) and the show is an ideal vehicle for any youth group providing they have plenty of 'hands on' members.
Based on an original novel `The English Rose' by MA Eccleshare, Paradisium
(words and music by MA Eccleshare, J Eccleshare and B Smith) is available
for schools and Youth Theatres.