May 2007 - District 8 - David Parkes
OLIVER!
Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre
Director: Andrew Jones
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
Choreographer: Alison Beech
This was an enjoyable outing for this hardy perennial which lends itself well for youth productions. We had notable performances from Charles Vickers, in the title role, James Young as Fagin and Heather Taylor as Nancy.
Oliver Winnington was a lively Artful Dodger and Mark Berrisford, a threatening Bill Sykes. Mr Bumble and the Widow Corney were nicely portrayed by Dan Nash and Emily Purdham - she really can scream! Sincere performances came from Josh Cartlidge as Mr Brownlow and Rachel Glover as Mrs Bedwin. Together with Ellis Stirk as Bet, Samantha Sherliker and Ed Barbour as the Sowerberries, plus the many other minor characters, the cast was made for a successful production.
The multitude of workhouse children, and Fagin's gang, were suitably bedraggled and rowdy in their chorus numbers, all of which, together with solo numbers, were performed at a cracking pace.
The set designers, builders, painters and stage crew once again excelled themselves as did the costume team.
A fine evening's entertainment - with so many talented youngsters on stage, how could be otherwise? Well done, everyone.
CABARET SHOWTIME
Lowton O & DS Youth Group
Produced & Directed by Cathie Davey and Maria Deehan
Choreographed by Cathey Davey
It was a delight to see so many youngsters making their first appearance on stage in a programme of song, dance and comedy that was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience.
With guest artist, Peter Longworth, making a number of appearances, the fifteen juniors performed well in a programme of familiar and unfamiliar items from stage and screen, together with enjoyable sketches.
The production team is to be congratulated for putting together the entertaining programme and for instilling such zeal in the youngsters. I hope their enthusiasm will continue. I look forward to seeing future performances by them.
DAD'S ARMY
Harlequin Players Club
Director: Dave Norwood
Three episodes of the eighty broadcast between 1968 and 1977, featuring all the well-known characters created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, filled the bill for this production at the Harlequin's Theatre in Northwich.
The enthusiastic audience was entertained by excellent portrayals of Captain Mainwaring by Don Hurst, Sgt Wilson by Mike Melville, Cpl. Jones by Keith Hogwood, Pte. Frazer by Gerry Card, Pte. Godfrey by Paul Rowles, Pte. Walker by Graham Sunners and Pte. (Stupid Boy) Pike by Matthew Lambert.
Episode 1, The Deadly Attachment, included the oft-repeated incident involving the capture of a German U-boat crew with the bolshie Captain (Ben Brunsden) and the line voted the funniest from TV comedies "Don't give him your name, Pike!"
Episodes 2 and 3, The Godiva Affair and Mum's Army brought more familiar characters to life:- the Verger - Frank Leather, Warden Hodges - Chris Saunders, the Vicar - Phil Ashby-Croe and Mrs Pike - Karen Norwood all of whom gave realistic performances with probably the loudest laughter following the long awaited, "We're all dooooomed" from Pte. Frazer.
This was a fun filled evening's entertainment with the scene changes interspersed with sing-along sessions of songs of the era. Unfortunately, these lengthened the production unnecessarily to three hours from three half-hour episodes.
CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT
Warrington Light Opera
Musical Director: Peter Henry
Asst. Musical Director: Alison Dale
Concert Producer: Malcolm Kindon
Manchester Opera Orchestra. Leader: Kay Thomas.
The annual Christmas treat was laid before an appreciative Parr Hall audience by the WLO and the mighty Manchester Opera Orchestra. Opening with five carols, all arranged by Peter Henry, the concert continued with Malcolm Arnold's Little Suite No. 1 under the baton of the guest conductor, Derek Blyth.
In place of the usual instrumental soloist we heard excerpts from Mozart's Serenade in Eb performed by a wind octet followed by Leroy Anderson's Belle of the Ball.
A Magic Moments selection, with vocal soloists, brought the first half to a close. The second half opened with choruses and solos from Bizet's Carmen. Tina Chester gave her customary virtuoso performance in Vorrei spiegarvi, O Dio by Mozart. The chorus then joined the orchestra in a rousing rendition of the 'Polovtsian Dances' from Prince Igor by Borodin.
Further orchestral and seasonal carols brought the programme to a close.
Whilst it is a refreshing change to see and hear a large orchestra, it should be borne in mind that, when the vocal selections are being performed, the orchestra should be the accompaniment not the major force. In the performance of my favourite carol, 'O Holy Night', the vocal quartet was overpowered, but there was a noticable difference when the operatic arias were performed with the operatic scoring.
ALI BABA & THE FORTY THIEVES
Frodsham Panto Group
Director: Roy Hayes
Musical Director: Andrew Lawless
Choreographer: Debbie Sutton
This was a refreshingly new version of Ali Baba written by director Roy Hayes, who also wrote into the script a role for himself as the Stage Manager, called on to appear as the replacement for the absent Good Fairy.
Tim McEvoy was a laid back Kazim Baba, doubling as the thieving Cobra, encouraged by his spoilt wife, Olive, played by Rosemary Merry. Comedy was provided by Simon Crooks as Dame Fatima, Carol Crooks as Bubble and Carla Garbutt as Squeak.
The romantic aspect came from Laura Pattinson as Zafira and Ian Lawless as Rhum Baba, son of the eponymous Ali Baba, and was well played by Graham Lees.
The musical numbers moved at a lively tempo with vigorous dance routines, and the costumes were to the usual high standard.
This was an enjoyable evening's entertainment.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Newton Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society
Director: Eleanor Roberts
Musical Director: Guy Pomfrett
Choreographer: Andrea Martin
With an unusual plot set in France, and well scripted by David Swan, Beauty and the Beast was the choice of NADOS for its 2007 pantomime, and what a fine job they made of it.
The Bonbon family, led by Widow (Mervyn Whitaker), Sherbet (Aaron McCaw), and his sisters Candy (Dawn McGuire) and Flossy (Becki Bryce), put in fine performances, as did the two Gendarmes - Nosey Parker (Aileen Wiswell) and Kirby Crawler (Jenny Whitaker).
Jack McCaw provided the villainy as Prince Jasper/Casper. Joseph Wiswell was the gentle and kindly Beast. The romantic element to the plot was provided by Bonnie (Natalie Hayes), the daughter of Dr. Tootle (Paul Swindlehurst), whose pantomime horse named - would you believe - Gigi, was personified by Lisa Griffiths and Jean Holding. Barbara Whitaker in the role of Fairy Rosé made sure that everything turned out well in the end.
The opening to Act II was a well performed, enchanting ballet choreographed by Becki Bryce and Aimee Baker. A good tempo was maintained throughout the chorus numbers and principal items. The scenes were up to the usual high standard of John Barham and the costumes enhanced the entire production,
The severe gales experienced on the Thursday evening obviously disrupted that evening's proceedings and I was sorry that blocked roads prevented my attending as planned. However, thank you NADOS for enabling me to attend the Saturday matinee performance which I enjoyed, in the company of so many vociferous youngsters in the audience.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop
Producer: Susan Oldfield
Choreographers: Sarah Hobbs & Leanne Wrench
Musical Director: Heather Whyte
The traditional story line, script by Bob Heather of Lazybee Scripts, was given a lively performance by the cast led by producer, Susan Oldfield, in the title role, with Lakeisha Bradbury as the ever-present cat, Tommy, and Lyndsay Downes as Alice Fitzwarren - the daughter of Alderman Fitzwarren, played by Peter Oldfield.
Comedy was in the capable hands of Kevin Keegan as Dame Sarah Stewpot and Carl Cooper as Idle Jack. They were well supported by John Roberts as Captain Slog and Tony Barrow in the dual role of Bos'un and Jarraffe.
The villainy of Edna Taylor as King Rat was countered in fine style by the delightful Kathryn Sissons as Fairy Bow-Bells.
The musical numbers were well selected and a good tempo was maintained throughout with lively choreography. Sets and costumes were up to the group's usual high standard.
A pleasant evening's entertainment.
ABIGAIL'S PARTY
Centenary Theatre Company
Director: Clare Littlemore
Making her debut as director, Clare Littlemore brought her considerable performing experience to the task of bringing out the disparate nature of the five characters in this play by Mike Leigh.
Hosting a suburban drinks party in the '70s to welcome new neighbours, the social climbing couple, Beverly and Laurence, she, with the conceited overbearing posturing manner and he, the hen-pecked, obnoxious snob, were brilliantly portrayed by Julie Parry and Dan Grimes.
As the new neighbours, the tactless, almost giddy, Angela, and the mysterious Tony, Clare Asprey and Seb Farrell - both of whom have distinguished themselves in musical and dramatic leading roles - gave yet more first class performances.
The fifth character, Susan - the confidence-lacking, anxious mother of the partying Abigail - was sincerely played by Cathryn Boyd making her principal debut with Centenary and with remarkable success.
The set was good and appropriately portrayed the home of the lacking-in-taste Beverly and Laurence.
The brilliance of the performances by the talented cast overcame my impression that Mike Leigh's script was long on words but short on plot.
CINDERELLA
St. Thomas' AD & OS, Golborne
Producers: Alison Sheridan & Louise Morris
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
Despite having their dress rehearsal cut short by a power failure when contractors, laying new gas mains, managed to cut through the district's electricity supply, this was a lively and confident production.
The familiar story was played out delightfully with Sarah Lyon, in the title role, Aimee Scally, in her usual fine form, as Prince Charming and a sparkling performance from Sarah Hutchinson as Dandini. Riotous humour from Gary Williams and Keith Wilde as the two Ugly Sisters, Magnesia and Prunella, contrasted well with the performances of Chris Blake and Emma Thompson as the Baron and Baroness de Broke.
Jonathan Kennedy gave an outstanding performance as Buttons, striking up an immediate rapport with the audience - an unusual aptitude for a young performer.
Minor roles and chorus routines were good. The costumes from Homburgs and Freda Thompson were good. Musical accompaniment - keyboard and percussion - moved the show along at a good tempo, although on the evening I attended, a sudden loss of power silenced the keyboard for a short while. This time however it was not the contractor's fault; a member of the hard working stage crew managed to dislodge the plug when moving a piece of scenery in the wings. Full marks to Aimee Scally for continuing the song, perfectly in tune, unaccompanied.
The sets were of the usual high standard one has come to expect from Bob Lord and his team.
It was particularly pleasing to see the development of the younger members of the cast which can only bode well for the society's future.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Shavington Village Festival Committee
Producer: Andrea Gibbs
Musical Director: Scott Sherwin
Choreographers: Andrea Gibbs and Angie Snell
A home written pantomime script, in traditional pantomime style, by producer Andrea Gibbs, played to the full houses one has become accustomed to seeing at Shavington. There was a large cast and a multitude of back stage staff and front of house helpers.
Nicky Whittall was delightful as the Little Mermaid, Melody Arpeggio, whose singing entranced the principal boy, Prince Nalu, played in fine style by Rachel Hadzik. Comedy galore from Scott Watson and Malcolm Bowyer as the drunken sailors, Ebb and Flo, Ann Watson as Izzy Able and Nigel Walters as the Dame, Ida Willing. There was well-booed villainy from Hayley Walker as Octavia and Margaret Yarwood as Maximus Fungus and Lynda Kenyon, making her pantomime debut, as Minimus Fungus.
Strong performances by Jonathan Brett as Captain Santune and Gary Edwards as King Arpeggio, together with his daughters - not forgetting Mollie Latham as Chokka, a lovable little dog - ensured a successful production.
Eventually the Prince and the Little Mermaid overcome all difficulties in time for the customary wedding finale conducted by none other than the Vicar of Dibley personified by Dawn Brittain - a nice touch.
The scenes were good and the musical accompaniment moved the show along at a good tempo.
I particularly liked the naming of Captain Santune's ship - HMS Shavington - and the attractive front-of-house display of photographs of the actual ship in action.
CRAZY CAPERS, DODGY DEALS
Vale Royal Juniors
Producer/Choreographer: Sharon Caffery
Musical Director: Eileen Stringer
Set in the 1970s this new two act musical comedy by Chris Goy was given a pleasing performance by the Vale Royal Juniors.
Two intending bank robbers - one bright and one dimwit - have booked into the Grand Hotel for the weekend in order to tunnel into the adjacent bank vault unaware that a group of their fellow students of the class of 1965 have arranged a school reunion at the same hotel. The dim one has booked room 102 on the first floor instead of room 1 or room 2 on the ground floor which has been allocated to other ex-classmates. The only other room situated alongside the bank is the "Ladies", so the intrepid duo embark on a "Some Like It Hot" style escapade in order to carry out their planned robbery. Meanwhile old school rivalries and romances are revived.
The two burglars, Frankie and Duggs were well played by James Ross and Louis Lumsden. Callista Tabeart and Ryan Ireland gave tender performances as Karen and Tony, the couple whose school romance is revived. Intrigue was supplied by the scheming Veronica, played by Helen Roberts and Jack Southern, coming into the production at short notice, as the time-share tout, Vince.
Reminding us of the 1970s era, Stacey Lamb and Stephanie Mander gave a light-hearted portrayal as the two hippies, Pearl and Dean.
Other cameo roles and chorus numbers were brightly performed to pleasant accompaniment and in the costumes of the era. It was a pity that some of the lib was deadened by the noisy air-conditioning of the Winsford Civic Centre, which is due for closure in the near future. It is to be replaced by a multi-purpose sports/leisure complex. However, the impending closure has not deterred the local authority from refurbishing the Civic Centre's bar/lounge area with new carpet and furniture!
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
SCAMPS
Director: Micheal Daws
Musical Director: Brian Goodwin
Choreographer: Vickie Smith
This brave choice of show for a cast of young performers, with an average age in the region of sixteen years, paid off for Scamps with lively performances from principals and chorus alike.
Playing her first principal role with Scamps, sixteen years old Harriette Sym was delightful as Milly, partnered equally well by Ross McNeill, also aged 16. They both have well trained voices and are set on careers in musical theatre.
The pairings of the the remaining six brothers with their respective brides-to-be: Ash McDowell (Ben) with Frankie Marques (Dorcas), Will Whelton (Caleb) with Grace Goodhind (Ruth), Tom Bowes (Dan) with Koryann Stevens (Liza), Nick Kirwin (Ephraim) with Lucy Came (Martha), Chris Burr (Frank) with Bronte Barbe (Sarah) and Cameron Bisset (Gideon) with Eleanor Sutton (Alice) completed a principal line-up to be envied. Not to be out-done, the six suitors and their partners performed admirably, especially in the excellently choreographed challenge dance.
The scenes were well set, the costumes were great and the show moved at a cracking pace. Congratulations all round, especially to the compilers of the programme.
MID-CHESHIRE SCOUT GANG SHOW
Celebrating the centenary of the Scouting Movement, the cubs, scouts and their leaders put together an entertaining programme of liveley songs and humorous sketches which was well received by appreciative audiences.
It was a refreshing change to see youngsters, many of whom were on stage for the first time, deriving so much enjoyment from their involvement in the show: it was a credit to the production team. The costumes were good, the scenes were well set with good lighting effects and the music moved at a good tempo.
The seeds have surely been sown for future enjoyable productions. Congratulations all round.
GUYS & DOLLS
Trinity AOS. Congleton.
Director & Choreographer: Liz Cardell
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
A fast moving, lively opening laid down the basis for a sparkling production of this favourite show.
The trio of Andrew Jones as Benny Southstreet, Paul Garbutt (following his successful appearance as Buddy Holly) as Rusty Charlie and Andrew Brown, giving a Stubby Kaye performance, as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, got the show off to a rousing start with their rendition of the 'Fugue for Tinhorns'.
Sarah Francis gave the best performance I have seen from her (to date) as Sarah Brown, the leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission. She had a clarity of voice that was a delight to hear. Her solos and duets were first class.
The perpetually harassed Nathan Detroit was well played by Chris Little. He was partnered by Hannah McAllister in a magnificent portrayal of his long-term fiancée, Miss Adelaide, whose musical numbers enhanced the proceedings in addition to her leading the Hot Box Girls in well choreographed numbers.
Nigel Evans was a masterful Sky Masterson and Reg Tolladay looked and sounded just right as the frustrated Lt. Brannigan, always a step behind the crapshooters, who performed a superb Crapshooters Dance, followed by a vigorous 'Luck Be a Lady' and (with the Street Girls) a fast moving 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat'.
Dave Martin banged his drum admirably as Arvide Abernathy and Lesley Davies was an authoritative General Cartwright.
The costumes were good as were the stage settings with snappy scene changes. The musical numbers moved at the good tempo to which one has become accustomed from Ian Pickford and his orchestra.
An excellent production with which all concerned can be proud.
Congratulations all round.
KISS ME KATE
Crewe Amateur Musicals Society
Director & Choreographer: Eric Pover
Musical Director: David Greatbanks
The Society celebrated its change of name in a sparkling production of the revised version of this favourite show, despite unbelievable traumas (See District 8 Newsletter).
Director Eric Pover took over the leading role of Fred Graham/Petruchio at short notice and gave an excellent performance. He was partnered by Linda Race who was in fine form as Lilli Vanessi/Katherine. Their scenes were first class in every respect.
Charlotte Platt sparkled as Lois Lane/Bianca. So too did Andy Jordan in the role of her partner Bill Calhoun/ Lucentio. But the depth of talent and experience extended well beyond the main principals. The roles of Bianca's other suitors - Gremio and Hortensio - were in the capable hands of Paul Bannister and Simon Dean; Frank Millward was in his element as Baptista, and Alison Brander as Hattie and Darren Thornhill as Paul. were both in fine voice.
Robert Earl and Graham Wilks hammed it for all they were worth as the Gangsters and Paul Nevin was General Harrison Howell who, in the revised version, performs the musical number 'From This Moment On' which he did to great effect.
The production moved at a cracking pace with imaginative choreography, performed admirably by the dancers and tuneful, well-drilled chorus routines. The costumes were first rate: so too were the sets.
The entire production was a credit to all involved. Many congratulations.
A MUSICAL JOURNEY
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Director & Choreographer: Alexandra Howarth
Musical Director: Mike Bramhall
To celebrate its Diamond Anniversary Alderley & Wilmslow put together an entertaining programme covering the 60 years. The first half covered the earlier years with selections from, what we now refer to as the "classic" musicals of the '40s and '50s. The prologue featured a grandmother reminiscing with her grandchildren about the good old days of musical theatre.
The second half brought us up-to-date with selections from current hit shows in nicely choreographed and costumed numbers.
The wide variety of song and dance items featured a 42 strong cast list, the youngest just 8 years old, whilst the longest serving performer joined the society in 1960. Although the programme published the member's age at that date, I will not repeat it! Needless to say the entire cast, the production team and the musicians combined to put on a memorable celebratory show.
The society mounted a display of well earned awards received over the years together with photographs of previous shows, and, there we were - Elva and yours truly in the 1985 production of Carousel. A pleasing reminder that friendships we established with members of the society 22 years ago are still going strong.
Many congratulations on your Diamond Anniversary and all good wishes for the future.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Mid-Cheshire A.O.S.
Congratulations! Pantomime in true, traditional style! This pantomime, written by Frank Dee, was made even easier to follow, with a synopsis, printed in the programme, detailing the parts and the performers.
This was a good production by Jaqui Adlington and with nice and simple choreography by Freya Sutton and Chris Adlington.
Jeff Burgess was a gorgeous Dame Trott with an even sillier Silly Billy Trott, her son, played by Sam McCormick.
The parts of Prince Edwin {David Brook} and Goldilocks, played by Mollie Markland, were ideally cast and they worked well, together and with the Three Bears, Bob Cleverly, Ingrid Cleverly And Lisa Bone who were just right.
The cast, in general, was very good and the chorus combined well with some good singing and well drilled routines.
The scenery and costumes all looked good and fresh, but the lighting had some funny moments – a little unusual for this society.
The only disappointment in the production was to have the orchestra in full view throughout the whole show looking out into the audience. It meant that each time there was a different scene, the first thing you saw was the orchestra. It was VERY distracting. Otherwise, a most enjoyable evening, thank you.
(Ken Webb)
DISTRICT 8 NEWSLETTER
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Rehearsals for the production of Kiss Me Kate by Crewe AMS were disrupted two weeks before opening night when Kevin Whitfield, playing Fred Graham/Petruchio, was taken into hospital suffering from a suspected heart attack. Director Eric Pover took on the role at short notice. The show opened at the Lyceum Theatre on Tuesday, 20th March and whilst driving home after the Wednesday evening performance, Eric was involved in an horrific accident when his car left the road and rolled over several times down an embankment. Eric extricated himself from the wrecked car seconds before it exploded!
Despite the after-effects of this traumatic incident, Eric continued in the role for the remaining performances including a Saturday matinee.
Congratulations to Eric on his durability, and best wishes to Kevin for a speedy and complete recovery
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My profuse apologies to Congleton Pantomime for the omission of the report on their production of Aladdin from this edition of NODA North West News. This is due to a change of business premises and the removal of my office equipment during which some items and records were misplaced. I am attempting to retrieve the missing details and will endeavour to include the report in the next edition.
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It is with great sadness that I have to report the sad and untimely death of Bessie Prosser, a stalwart member and Social Secretary of Knutsford AOS. Together with her late husband Phil, Bessie was ever present at NODA North West and NODA National meetings. She will be sadly missed by her many friends who join in expressing sincere condolences to her daughter, Helen and grandson Sebastian.