January 2007 - District 8 - David Parkes
DISTRICT 8 NEWS.
It is with deep regret that I have to report the death of Joe Tinsley, aged 80, a long-standing member of the Mid-Cheshire AOS, the Vale Royal AOS and the Northwich Festival Choir. Joe held the NODA Long Service Awards and after retiring from stage appearances he took up regular front of house duties. He was also a keen crown green bowler and many of his colleagues together with representatives of the musical societies were present at his funeral to pay their respects and express their condolences to his wife Sybil.
I would also express condolences to Brian Jefferson doyen of the Congleton Pantomime and long serving President of the Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company on the loss of his wife Marjorie who was deeply involved with productions at the Daneside Theatre. In a fitting tribute the CSYT Company dedicated their premier production of Buddy to her memory.
CAROUSEL
Mid Cheshire A.O.S.
It is nearly 60 years since Richard Rodgers regarded the score of Carousel as his finest with its mixture of tragedy, comedy and fantasy making it an enthralling experience.
As with most productions I have seen, "The Carousel Waltz" never seems to get going, but producer Anne Hooker did try to brighten things up by using the cast as fairground performers, balloon sellers, etc., but the tempo of the music was so slow throughout; it seemed to go on for ever, with the performers running out of ideas.
I was particularly impressed with the smaller roles, Mrs. Mullins, Mr. Bascombe, Heavenly Friend and the Star Keeper, which, so often, societies have difficulty in filling these important parts.
Laura Hobley, in her first major role for the society, played the part of Julie with an air of innocence and gave a good performance. This is a young lady with a bright future! With the experienced Anna Walton playing the part of Carrie, so full of character and with a nice sense of comedy she added to the production and Carrie and Julie worked well together.
Philip Hobson gave a creditable portrayal of Billy Bigelow although not quite the macho type character I imagine the part should demand. After a nervous opening, Barrie Billing played Mr. Snow quite well, while Jeff Burgess revelled in the part of that evil character Jigger Craigin.
The set was simple, but effective and the costumes looked good and the singing of the chorus numbers was again first class with Barbara Turner outstanding as Nettie, particularly in that favourite "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Once again, many thanks for your hospitality to me and Eileen.
(Ken Webb)
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Acton A.O.S.
Creating the world of Anatevka on the Lyceum Stage was not a problem, with a very good set, looking just right although at times taking a little too long to change.
Mark Emptage playing the part of Tevye for the third time, gave a strong sensitive performance, while I especially enjoyed Angela Kenworthy as his wife Golde who played her role with sensitive feeling and generating the right chemistry between them.
The three elder daughters, Tzeitel (Elaine Pittwood), Hodel (Charlotte Platt) and Chava (Katie Burt) all played their parts well, with Hodel quite moving in "Far From the Home I Love".
Mike Malone gave a strong portrayal as Motel, the tailor, and maintained the character right through and his "Miracle of Miracles" with Tzeitel was good. Although Fyedka was played very well, I did think he needed to be more forceful.
Glynis Hudson made the most of her lines as Yente the matchmaker, but I felt Lazar Wolf was a little weak and could have made more of his loss of Tzeitel's hand in marriage.
The dream scene was well done with Yzzy Pearce-Higham as Fruma-Sarah and Mary Bolide as Grandma Tzeitel.
The Wedding lacked impact: the Constable was never convincing and the Russians never created any of the tension that should have been building up. The dances by ORLYK, a unique Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, was absolutely magnificent with their spirited and energetic movements.
The singing in general was quite good with the principals acquitting themselves extremely well. But I did feel that the production needed an injection of pace from the orchestra which at times was not together with the chorus and soloists.
All in all this was an enjoyable production. I should give a word of praise for the young Fiddler, played by Lucy Hatton, who fooled every one with her statue-like pose on the roof of the set as the audience was arriving.
BUDDY (The Buddy Holly Story)
Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company, Congleton.
Director: Nigel Evans
Musical Director: Neil Garbett
Choreographer: Hannah McAllister
The brave decision to stage the amateur premier performance of Buddy was entirely vindicated by this multi-talented youth company.
In the title role, guitarist and singer Paul Garbett gave a faultless performance backed admirably on drums and string bass by Chris Little and Craig Watson as Joe Multan and Jerry Allison (The Crickets). Craig doubled as Ritchie Valens and Tom Pear doubled as the Big Bopper and the record producer Norman Petty.The company is indeed fortunate to have such talented and capable musicians in their midst.
Emily Young was a delightful Maria Elena and Jordan Harding-Pointen gave everything to the character of Hipockets Duncan, the presenter at the KDAV Radio Studio. There were numerous cameo roles, all filled by skillful performers including David Martin as the presenter at the Surf Ballroom, Clearlake Iowa - the location of Buddy's final concert prior to the tragic plane crash in which Buddy Holly and his friends lost their lives. For one misguided moment I thought that David was actually reading from the Denis Norden style clip-board he was carrying. Perish the thought!
The well sung chorus numbers were energetically choreographed with the vociferous audience, young and old alike, joining in the hand jive routines backed by an energetic combo.
The costumes, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting all combined in a first class production with which all concerned can be justly proud.
It was a magnificent send-off to George Tweats who has retired after seventeen years with CSYT, the last thirteen years as Chairman. Well done George, here's wishing you good health and happiness in your retirement.
BRIGADOON
Zodiac AOS
Director: Valarie Ball
Musical Director: Hannah Peel
Choreographer: Jennifer Ball
Although Brigadoon does not figure highly on the "must do" list of many societies, it is one of my favourite shows and this was an enjoyable performance all the more creditable as the society was faced with casting issues and a change of both producer and musical director during the build up to the production.
Andrea Jones was a delightful Fiona and Bredgeen Smyth brought just
the right amount of comedy to the role of Meg Brockie without going "over
the top".
Mike Howard successfully added the role of Tommy Albright to his repertoire
of principal characters with pleasing renditions of solos and duets with
Fiona.
In searching for the apt wording to describe Joe Youds' fine performance
as Jeff Douglas the word "cynicism" came immediately to mind and
on checking the dictionary I found that cynicism is, quote, "A morose
contempt of the pleasures and arts of life". How appropriate!
The role of Charlie Cameron - he who goes home with Bonnie Jean - was taken on at four weeks' notice by Aaron Cawley and he combined well with Vicki Patheyjohns as Jean MacKeith. The morose character of Harry Ritchie was well played by Tim Jones and Roy Green, making his stage debut, was a sincere Mr Murdoch.
The six-piece orchestra led by the MD on keyboard moved the music along at a good pace with the added attraction of Bob Walters playing the bagpipes on stage.
Costumes by Perceptions and members of the cast together with Prosceneium's sets added to the overall effectiveness of the production.
The Zodiacs plan to move future productions to the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn thereby bringing their 37 year association with the Frodsham Community Centre to a close. I wish them every success and good fortune in the venture which will bring fresh challenges and new horizons.
H.M.S. PINAFORE
Congleton AOS
Director/Choreographer: Nicky Evans
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
This was a first class innovative production of this G & S hardy annual with sparkling performances from principals and chorus alike.
Making her debut appearance with Congleton AOS Rhiannon Owen brought a wealth of experience and precociousness to the role of Little Buttercup much to the delight of Captain Corcoran personified by Nigel Evans.
The leading roles of Josephine and Ralph Rackstraw were both expertly played by Hannah McAllister and David Francis. Their solos and duets were effortlessly and beautifully sung, and I liked the way they used the set's upstage ship's rigging to gain height over the chorus in the concerted numbers.
Yet more experience was brought to the production by David Martin as Sir Joseph Porter KCB and Albert O'Rourke as Dick Deadeye. These seasoned performers together with John Beech as the Boatswain's mate, Richard Tadman returning to a performing role as the Carpenter's Mate and Jenni Lee as Cousin Hebe completed a principal line-up to be envied.
Backed by a 27 strong chorus and a fine orchestra this was an all-round first class production with a superb set designed and created by Nigel Evans, Simon Wain and students of the Stoke-on-Trent College Performing Arts Department with costumes by Perceptions Theatre Costumes and wigs by Bromiley Ltd and John Cumberlidge.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Lowton Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: Monica Bibby
Musical Director: Kath Reed
Choreographer: Cathie Davey
The first pantomime of the season was unusually early in October but so timed to avoid clashes with touring professional productions later in the year.
Not one of the traditional subjects for pantomimes this new script by Robert Marlowe departed from tradition by portraying the Dame as the villainous Duchess with further villainy from the Queen of Hearts. Both characters were well played by John Martin and Carolyne Smith respectively and were roundly booed by a vociferous audience.
Sharnie Creek was a delightful Alice and comedy was provided by Cathie Davey and Phil Dickinson as the Tweedle Brothers, Dum and Dee. There were scene stealing appearances by Chris Hesford as the White Rabbit and Sue Halton's performance as the zany Mad Hatter enhanced the tea party scene.
The remaining minor principal characters were well cast and added to the overall success of the performance with nicely choreographed routines and popular musical numbers accompanied by a small combo of keyboard, guitars and percussion.
"Accompanied" is perhaps not quite the appropriate word as the vigorous drumming by one of the players, albeit a brilliant display, not only drowned the remainder of the band but also the singers on stage!
Congratulations to all involved and a special word of praise for
the costumes,.scenery design, lighting and construction by David Henderson
and his team - all first class.
IRENE
St. Thomas' AD & OS Golborne
Producer: Alison Sheridan
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
Choreography: Cast
Members.
This was a thoroughly delightful production of this rarely performed show with good all-round performances from principals and chorus.
Aimee Scally was in her element in the title role, one of the best I
have seen from her, and Rose Hatton was in fine form as her wise-cracking
mother, Mrs Geraldine O'Dare.
Irene's colleagues Helen Burke, Jane McFudd were played to great effect by
Leanne Kennedy and Sarah Hutchinson respectively as was Jenny played by Emma
Thompson.
The straight-laced business man, Donald S Marshall III, who eventually falls for Irene was well played by Jonathan Kennedy with Michelle Hughes just right as his domineering mother Mrs Emmiline Marshall.
The scatterbrained cousin Ozzie Babson was capably portrayed by Chris Blake and there was a magnificent over-the-top performance by Gary Williams as the couturier Madame Lucy.
The minor principal line up was nicely completed by Shaun Darbyshire as the Marshall's butler Clarkson and Ruth Eaton in the cameo role of Arabella.
The chorus routines were good with nicely modulated accompaniment.
As usual with St. Thomas' productions the scene sets were first class and the costumes by Perceptions were excellent.
With increasingly good performances from its youthful members this was a production with which all concerned can be justly proud.
HELLO, DOLLY!
Centenary Theatre Company
Director: Juliet Miles
Musical Director: Richard Winter
Choreographer: Jo Chatt
We had yet another brilliant production from the multi-talented Centenary Theatre Company with an outstanding performance by Clare Asprey as Dolly Levi, the lady who loves to meddle in other people's lives whilst pursuing her aim to marry the dour half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder played splendidly by Michael Mullan.
Delightful performances came from NODA NW award winner Jane Rigby as the milliner Mrs Irene Malloy and Michelle Taylor as her assistant Minnie Fay together with Derren Dolphin and Andrew Gower as Vandergelder's down-trodden employees Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. Derren and Andrew were both taking part in only their second productions with Centenary.
Samantha Palin was in good stentorian form as Vandergelder's niece, the perpetually tearful Ermengarde with Mark Hemmings demonstrating his fine dancing and acting capabilities in the role of her suitor, Ambrose Kemper.
Completing the principal line up yet another NODA NW award winner Marilyn Baxter provided comic relief in the cameo role of Ernestina Money and Paul Rigby, also in his second Centenary production, was the head waiter of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant.
Powerful chorus numbers and lively dancing routines accompanied by an excellent orchestra ensured the success of the production which was enhanced by Proscenium's sets and Charades' costumes.
A first class evening's entertainment from this Company which appears to
be going from strength to strength. Congratulations to all concerned.
SWEET REVENGE
Burtonwood Am & DS
Director: Judith Maffitt
Producer: Brian Maffitt
This was a riveting who-dunnit by Francis Durbridge - he of Paul Temple fame - with seven suspects (not counting the maid!) responsible for the death of womanising Julian Kane played convincingly by Colin Frodsham.
With producer Brian Maffitt as the cuckolded Dr Ross Marquand, Steve Zocek as Dr. Sam Kennedy the father of one of Julian Kane's earlier conquests, now a drug addict, C J Frodsham as Alan Wells in debt to Julian Kane, Joe Ewen as Bill Yorke the former boyfriend of another of Julian's conquests, Sue Hartley as Marian Palmer yet another of his conquests, Katy Litton as Judy Hilton in love with the debt-ridden Alan Wells and Eileen Campbell as the unfaithful wife of Dr Ross subsequently spurned by Kane all in the frame for the murder, the suspense was maintained in true thriller fashion until the final scene. Investigations by Inspector Norman Sanders played by Stuart Slater added to the intrigue and the cast was completed by Lizzie Jones as the efficient maid.
The setting for the play was the living-room of Dr. Marquand's house in the Thames Valley and this was well designed and lit with the time gaps between scenes signified by the simple but effective action of the maid changing the perpetual calendar behind the doctor's desk.
The Society is to be congratulated in obtaining further financial assistance from the Coalfields Regeneration Programme which will be used for enhanced audio equipment and for training schemes for the younger members.
Thank you for an enjoyable evening's entertainment and for your welcome and hospitality.
P. S. The maid didn't do it!
EDUCATING RITA
Centenary Theatre Company
Director: Richard Broadbent.
This is a complex play from the pen of Willy Russell involving just the two characters - Rita, the brash hairdresser with a passion for higher education, and Frank - her Open University tutor.
In the role of Rita, Judianne Fisher made a double debut by playing her first principal role for the society and making her first appearance in a play. She rose to the challenge admirably as did Philip Croft in the intricate role of Frank, the tutor with more than his fair share of problems. The highs and lows of both characters came through in Richard Broadbent's immaculate production.
The single set, that of the tutor's room complete with alcoholic bookcases was well designed and constructed by society members and friends.
Centenary's productions go from strength to strength and Educating Rita is yet another addition to their list of successes.
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Director: Ryan Ellershaw
Musical Director: Brian Goodwin
Choreographer: Vickie Smith
Bravo to the Society for undertaking the premier performance of Millie which sparkled from start to finish.
In her first principal role with the society Alexandra Howarth was a superb Millie Dillmount, the wanabee with designs on marrying her disinterested boss, Mr Trevor Graydon played stoically by Ric Hazelwood who falls for Millie's friend Miss Dorothy Brown delightfully played by Rachel Kirby. Their Jeanette Macdonald/ Nelson Eddy style duet 'I'm Falling in Love with Someone' was exquisite.
As befits the winner of last year's NODA NW Best Supporting Actress Award Ali Davenport gave an outstanding performance as Mrs Meers, the operator of a white slavery ring, aided by her henchmen Bun Foo and Ching Ho who were involved purely to raise enough money to bring their mother over from Hong Kong. They spoke entirely in Chinese (?) with English sub titles shown on an electronic display panel. How Phil Mason and Micheal Daws managed to keep their faces straight I shall never know but their performance of "Muquin" (Al Jolson's 'Mammy' in Chinese) was one of the most hilarious moments I have seen in all the years I have been involved in theatre.
Having been spurned by her boss, Millie falls for Jimmy Smith played inimitably by Robbie Medina who is eventually revealed as the millionaire Herbert J Van Hossmere III, the brother of "Miss Dorothy Brown" both of whom are the step-children of the stage star Muzzy Van Hossmere lustily played by Maria Gooch making her debut with the society.
This is a large cast show with numerous minor principal roles all of which were well cast and well performed. The chorus and dance routines were brilliant, the costumes were excellent, the scene changes were accomplished unobtrusively and the backing of the Wilmslow Theatre Orchestra was magnificent.
This show brought a breath of fresh air to the amateur stage. Well done and congratulations to all concerned.
THE GHOST TRAIN
Newton AD & OS
The staging of The Ghost Train was just right for this play in three acts by Arnold Ridley. The scenery, props and sound effects were excellent with good costumes for the period setting.
Andy Jordan brought his superb acting skills to the fore as Teddie Deacon
with Anthony Ward and Eleanor Roberts (Richard and Elsie Winthrop) and Mark
Houghton and Aileen Wiswell (Charles and Peggy Murdoch) playing well-matched
couples.
Tracy Dunbaven chilled my spine with her sinister portrayal of Julia Price
with her strange apparitions and things that went bump in the night!
I had the feeling that there was a plot afoot from the start and that all was not what it seemed. The story was gripping but there was also a great deal of humour coming through as the play unfolded and, at times, the audience was in fits of laughter.
However the outcome was the superb teamwork which shone through from the complete cast and production team.
Tense, dramatic and very funny; a good all-round play.
(Claire V Pilkington)
SHOWCASE 2006
Newton AD & OS
Oh, what a night! Dynamic, polished, professional. An excellent show comprising excerpts from five top musicals expertly put together by the director, Mike McCaw
It contained some fabulous numbers with excellent choreography and costumes.
There was a wealth of talent (from all age groups) on the stage and they had me enthralled right from the beginning. I could pick out certain numbers that were phenomenal but that would not be fair as they were all great in their own way.
It was a first class evening's entertainment which was more than well received by the audience.
Superb, well done!!
(Claire V Pilkington)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT
Knutsford AOS
This was a bright and lively revue packed with well known favourites from an impressive list of composers, with hilarious sketches slotted between. Wonderful family entertainment!
All the numbers moved at a good pace and were well performed, and, in some cases glittering with lovely evening wear with plenty of bling! The sets and costumes were colourful and in keeping with every musical selection.
A special mention must go to the dancers who were fabulous as usual.
It was a very cheerful production and it was lovely to see all those
smiling faces from the cast. Congratulations!
(Claire V Pilkington)