January 2008
District 8 - David Parkes
DISTRICT 8 NEWSLETTER
My thanks to the N W Regional Reps for their support to my nomination to succeed Keith Painter as the Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of Regional Representatives which was successful at the NODA National AGM at Buxton in September.
Congratulations to my dear friend Cecil Walker on his 70th Birthday which was celebrated at a surprise party attended by his family and many friends including an unexpected visit from America by Erica Pill.
Now that Cecil has joined the Over the Hill club he can be forgiven for the occasional lapse of memory such as wearing his underpants on the outside of his trousers (see picture) and omitting the name of the costumiers from a programme.
Congratulations also to two District 8 Societies celebrating their Diamond Anniversaries:- St Thomas AD&OS (Golborne) and Alderley & Wilmslow AOS, both of whom held glittering dinner dances to mark the occasions to which Elva and I were delighted to be invited.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Centenary Theatre Company
Director: Frank Bonser
Igrayne McDermott, in her first principal role for Centenary, not only demonstrated considerable acting ability in the role of Little Voice (LV) - a young reclusive girl who spent all her waking hours listening to a collection of records of famous singers bequeathed to her by her late father - but she also displayed a surprisingly fine talent for mimicry when singing in the voices of Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, etc. A remarkable performance.
The part of Mari Hoff, LV's overbearing, brash mother was brilliantly portrayed by Julia Washer and her dotty, lumbering neighbour Sadie was played by Kelly Herridge in a side-splitting performance.
The role of the mother's boy friend, the small time showbiz agent, Ray Say, who discovers and tries to cash in on LV's hidden talent, was in the more than capable hands of Michael Mullan. Walter Brown did well as the unprincipled nightclub owner Mr Boo, but I felt that his performance was overshadowed by his garish wigs which to my mind were not appropriate to the character.
The cast was completed by Roy Hayes in the cameo role of the telephone engineer and Seb Farrell as his assistant Billy, a simple soul in love with LV.
The multiple set comprising the living room, kitchen, LV's bedroom, the street and the nightclub stage was a masterpiece of design and lighting by Walter Brown and the Brindley Theatre Technical Team.
An unusual play brilliantly directed and performed. Congratulations all round.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Newton AD & OS
Director: Mervyn Whitaker
Musical Director: John Boyden
Choreographer: Lisa Griffiths assisted by Dawn McGuire
NADOS assembled a large talented cast to perform this challenging musical and carried it off with admirable aplomb.
The eponymous Millie was played delightfully by Jenny Whitaker partnered in fine form by Mark Haughton as Jimmy Smith who, together with Dawn McGuire as Miss Dorothy Brown, turned out to be brother and sister - the step children of the rich Muzzy van Hossmere personified by Aileen Wiswell.
The white slaver Mrs Meers was villainously portrayed by Eleanor Roberts joined by Joseph Wiswell and Jack McCaw as the Chinese laundrymen, Ching Ho and Bunn Foo, in an hilarious version of 'Mammy' sung entirely in Chinese. I believe that the two young men actually took jobs in a Chinese takeaway in order to perfect their accents.
The Jeanette McDonald / Nelson Eddy send-up of 'Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life' and 'I'm Falling in Love
with Someone' performed by Wayne Thompson and Dawn McGuire was a hoot. The dancing of Millie's friends and the speed typists was exceptionally good with an over-the-top performance by Jackie O'Leary as the typing pool supervisor, Miss Flannery.
The chorus routines and musical numbers moved at a fine pace and the myriad cameo roles were all well presented. The combination of imaginative well-lit sets and authentic costumes of the era put the gloss on a bright evening's entertainment enjoyed by an appreciative audience.
Quoting from the Chaiman's Message - "Sadly, this will probably be the last major musical we will perform in this Hall. We have had notification from the Council (St. Helens BC) that after our pantomime in January 2008, the venue cannot be guaranteed as work is to start 'remodelling' the Town Hall. This will involve major demolition work including the loss of this Community Hall and Stage".
Having spent £7000 on improvements to the facilities at the Town Hall, NADOS is fighting the proposed closure. I wish them well in their efforts.
Oliver!
Acton AOS
Director & Choreographer: Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
Musical Director: Ann Sleigh
With a cast list of experienced principals plus a talented newcomer making his stage debut, this was a show destined to hit the heights - and it did!
Having already had experience on the professional stage Jack Hales was a confident Oliver and combined well with newcomer Harry Pickles making his stage debut in the demanding role of the Artful Dodger.
Nigel Peever made a superb Fagin as one would expect from a performer with his theatrical background. Angela Kenworthy brought tenderness and courage to the role of Nancy with a magnificently sung 'As Long As He Needs Me' and joined Ellen Dodd as Bet in lively renditions of their musical numbers with Fagin's Gang and the chorus. The opening to Act II was one of the best performances of 'Oom-Pah-Pah' I can recall.
Relatively new to theatrical performances - compared to many in the cast - Robert Earl acquitted himself well as the bullying Bill Sykes accompanied by the eight year old English Bull Terrier "Baz" as Bullseye. To give the authentic appearance of Bullseye, the pure white Baz had black make-up applied to his eye for each performance.
Jennifer Hall and Pete Johnson were ideal in the roles of the Widow Corney and Mr Bumble, the Parish Beadle. Ideal too were Meg Bray and Simon Dean as Mr & Mrs Sowerberry. The depth in experienced talent extended to the minor roles of Noah Claypole and Charlotte Sowerberry played by Andrew Tooth and Yzzy Pearce-Higham.
Michael Gaffney was an elegant Mr Brownlow and Susan Dodd a caring Mrs Bedwin whilst Ken Brindley came up with a scene stealing performance as the doddering Dr. Grimwig which, I believe, became more doddering with each successive performance. Well done!
It was a great pleasure to see Ann Sleigh back in the MD's spotlight impressing her warm personality on the musical interpretation of the score of this top class production with first class performances from principals and chorus. The show was well costumed and ranks among the best performances of Oliver! that I have had the pleasure of seeing.
One final word of congratulation must go to the designers and compilers of the impressive programme.
The King and I
Centenary Theatre Company
Director: Sheila Cummins
Assistant Director: Anita Warburton
Musical Director: Malcolm Fallows
Choreographer: Beryl Rigby
Another successful production by the Centenary. Since its move from Warrington to Runcorn's Brindley Theatre there seems to be no limit to the ability to enthrall packed houses with their performances.
NODA NW Award winners, Jane Rigby and Mark Murphy, led the cast admirably as Anna Leonowens and the King each bringing a fine degree of sensitivity and understanding to their respective roles.
The love-lom couple, Tuptim and Lun Tha, played by Helen Gory and Derren Dolphin joined forces in delightfully sung duets. Judianne Fisher played Lady Thiang with fine dignity and sincerity.
The duo of Michael Markey and Thomas Lyons as Louis and the Prince Chululongkorn (now there's a challenge to the spellcheck!) played their parts with a confidence beyond their youthful years and, as always, the Royal Children made their enchanting entrance and obviously enjoyed their school-room scenes with Anna.
The "etceteras" contained numerous faces one is accustomed to seeing in principal parts demonstrating their dedication to the company in taking on the minor as well as the major roles.
The production moved at a good pace with delicately choreographed routines, especially the Uncle Thomas ballet, and the whole show was given a rousing accolade from a receptive audience
Fawlty Towers
Congleton Players
Produced & Directed by Pamela Mein
Assistant Director: Howard Ball
Three episodes - The Germans, A Touch of Class and Waldorf Salad - were given first-class performances by a cast that could have stepped right out of the origjnal classic series.
The demented, maniacal character of Basil Fawlty was expertly portrayed by Paul Griffiths in a performance that brought out every nuance of Basil's contortions and temperamental outbursts to his wife Sybil and the hapless waiter Manuel given faultless performances by Diana Lane and Andrew Tooth. The waitress Polly was accurately depicted by Becky Morley with Reg Tollady as the forgetful Major Gowan and Dee Melia and Annette Madden making up the cast of residents as the timid duo of old ladies, Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby.
Each of the three self-contained episodes was well cast with a variety of clients and visitors to the hotel which was realistically reproduced with a brilliantly designed set complete with the kitchen being set on fire!
The fact that members of the appreciative audience were still laughing long after the closing curtain can only emphasise the enjoyment experienced from the performances of a very talented cast backed by a back-stage crew to be envied and one can only imagine the hilarity experienced in rehearsals.
Congratulations to all concerned. It was a performance that I shall long remember.
Anything Goes
Vale Royal AOS
Producer: Susan Oldfield
Musical Director: Eileen Stringer
Choreographer: Tracey Ellams
One of my favourite light-hearted shows, Anything Goes, was given a bright performance with some new faces joining the society stalwarts at the Winsford Civic Hall.
In this lively production, Nikki Worden did well as the night club entertainer, Reno Sweeney. Mike Bradley turned in his usual high class performance as Billy Crocker and Jenefer Baker was a charming Hope Harcourt with the ever elegant Liz Cassidy as her gold-digging mother, Evangeline.
Neil Silcock added the role of Sir Evelyn Oakleigh to his recent successes but I was disappointed that the' Let's Misbehave' number has been deleted from the latest version of the show as I have always regarded this as one of the highlights.
Reno's lusty Angels were robustly played by Hannah Merson, Stacey Lamb, Avril Wood and Laura Bason, and the comedy was provided in abundance by Mark Curzon as Moonface Martin and Karen Wood as his moll Erma. Peter Oldfield turned in one of the best performances I have seen from him as the short-sighted inebriate Elisha Whitney. Chris Curlett and Ben Ireson, as the two Chinese card-sharps Luke & John, added further comedy and they also doubled-up as sailors aboard the S.S. American which was captained by John Roberts ably supported by John Coppack as the Purser.
The musical numbers moved at a good pace accompanied by a competent trio and it was good to see Tony Whitby back in action after an enforced lay-off. The scene changes were snappy and the production was costumed to the usual high standard.
It is to be regretted that the Vale Royal society joins others in facing uncertainty of venues for future productions due to the Local Authority's decision to demolish the Civic Hall which will be replaced by a "Community Facility" and which will not include a provision for theatrical performances.
42nd Street
Congleton AOS
Director/Choreographer: Eric Pover
Musical Director: Ian Pickford
Tap Choreographer: Lisa Fountain
This show seems to bring out the best in societies and this production was no exception with a strong cast of dancers and principals backed by a dedicated production team.
Jonathan Femyhough was a masterful Julian Marsh as befits a real-life show director. Steven Coles put in probably the best performance of his career to date as Billy Lawlor whilst Sheila Hoskison, in her third 42nd Street, played Peggy Sawyer for the first time with great success.
Rhiannon Owen made the transformation from Little Buttercup to Dorothy Brock with remarkable ease and Michael Wright brought his experience as a stage manager and actor to the fore in the role of the casting manager Andy Lee.
David Martin and Helen Snelson-Pickford were in good form as the show writers Maggie Jones and Bert Barry and the experienced Simon Dean made his debut appearance with CAOS as Pat Denning, the boyfriend of Dorothy Brock whose sugar daddy Abner Dillon was portrayed admirably by Arthur Smith.
42nd Street makes great demands on the dancers and Eric Pover must have been very pleased with his team with Fiona O'Connor as Anytime Annie, Lynn Williams as Lorraine, Kerry Coles as Ethel, Jenni Les as Diane and Kelly Dyer as Gladys.
The ever dependable Ian Pickford and his orchestra provided super accompaniment to a well staged production greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. Well done everyone.
The Wizard of Oz
(MGM Version)
St. Thomas AD & OS Golborne
Producer & Choreographer: Alison Sheridan
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
Children's Producer & Choreographer: Louise Morris
STADOS celebrated its 60th year with a most enjoyable production of this favourite show with a lively mixture of young and the not-so-young performers.
Sarah Lyon was a delightful Dorothy accompanied, on her journey down the yellow brick road, by Emma Thompson as the Scarecrow, Chris Blake as the Tin Woodman and Gary Williams as the Cowardly Lion in well designed and choreographed routines.
With the assistance of Louise Morris as the Good Witch of the North overcoming the villainy of Rose Hatton in the guise of the Wicked Witch of the West the four intrepid heroes won through eventually to unmask the phoney Wizard played by Keith Wilde.
Most of the popularity of the MGM version lies in the multiplicity of small character roles, too numerous to be given individual accreditation, but which give younger cast members that first venture into the world of theatre which, hopefully, will instill in them the confidence to continue their involvement in future years. This production was no exception and it was a distinct pleasure to see so many youngsters in the cast obviously enjoying the experience.
Costumes by Homburgs and Freda Thompson were to the usual high standard as were the sets designed by the doyen himself, Bob Lord and his team.
Musical accompaniment was in the capable hands of Nancy Wells on keyboard and Vince Wilcock on percussion and the whole production provided a fine evening's entertainment greatly enjoyed by the enthusiastic audiences.
Disney's High School Musical
Centre Stage Youth Company (Congleton)
Director: Jill Mason
Musical Director: Neil Garbett
Choreographer: Louise Carter
This is a show that has taken the junior and youth theatre world by storm this year and was given a rousing performance as befits the winners of the 2006 NODA NW Best Youth Production Award.
The enjoyment so obviously experienced by the cast was infectious among the mainly youthful audience who joined vociferously in the lively choreographed musical numbers. The well drilled cheerleaders set the scene for a lively foot-tapping production involving the Wilcat basketball team whose star player, Troy Bolton had fallen for the Brainiacs leader, Gabriella Montez. These two roles were admirably played by Craig Watson and Lucy Gowing, each showing a determined yet tender interpretation of the complex characters.
Show stealing performances by Heather Taylor and Rob Wayman as the brother and sister thespians Sharpay and Ryan Evans, together with Melissa Oliver as the over-the-top drama teacher Ms Darbus and Dave Carney as Coach Bolton plus a word-perfect cameo performance by Brian Jefferson as the school caretaker, added the gloss to a first class production.
The mammoth task of costuming the large cast of around 60 performers was accomplished admirably and the sets were up to the high standard one has become accustomed to seeing at Congleton's Daneside Theatre.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment. Congratulations to all involved.
Oliver!
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Director: Ali Davenport
Musical Director: Brian Goodwin
Choreographer: Vickie Smith
The lively opening number by the Workhouse children set the scene for an enjoyable performance of this favourite show with Bob Chaloner reprising the role of Fagin which he played in the society's previous production in 1995.
The part of Oliver was in the experienced hands of ten year old Matthew Fitzgerald, whom I saw earlier in the year playing Louis in South Manchester's The King and I. He was matched in no small measure by Dom Sutton as The Artful Dodger - another youngster to look out for in the future.
Maria Gooch, in her second appearance with A&WAOS, was in fine form as Nancy as was Eleanor Strutt as Bet. Robbie Medina, usually seen in more light-hearted roles was a dominant and threatening Bill Sykes accompanied by a well behaved Molly as his canine side-kick, Bullseye. The coupling of Keith Ward and Jane Campaigne as Mr Bumble and the Widow Corney worked well with an amusing rendition of 'I Shall Scream' and the dismal Sowerberrys were portrayed by Alex Bingle and Sylvia Arnold in funereal grandeur.
The numerous minor characters were well cast and nicely performed, surmounted by an over-the-top portrayal of Dr Grimwig by Phil Mason.
As usual, the workhouse children, doubling as Fagin's gang, provided the light relief in what is basically a doleful story of exploitation and violence.
The production moved at a good pace. The scene changes were accomplished with a minimum of disturbance by the stage crew dressed in costumes appropriate to the period. A nice touch.
This was a production worthy of a society celebrating its sixtieth anniversary. Congratulations to all concerned and best wishes for future successes.
Scrooge
Burtonwood Amateur Music & Drama Society
Director: Janette Adair
Musical Director: Alan Litton
Choreographer: Linda Cole
This is not the Tommy Steele version but a play with music in two acts by James Leisy which was revived by the Burtonwood AMADS having previously been performed by them in 1989.
The scene and tone for the evening were set in the foyer by a welcoming group of the cast, in costume, lustily singing seasonal songs.
Charles Dicken's traditional Christmas Carol story unfolded with Colin Frodsham, as the eponymous Scrooge, wringing every nuance from the role of the miserly skinflint turning away the entreaties of family and charity collectors and venting his malevolence on the hapless Bob Cratchet played humbly by Steve Milner and the three office clerks - Thomas, Richard and Harold - personified by Dave Johnson, John McConnell and Alan Litton, who later joined forces in a lively musical number extolling the shortcomings of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Brian Maffitt made a spectral entrance as the chain clad Marley's ghost and he, with John Harper, was also responsible for the set design and construction. The three spirits, Christmas Past, Present and Future featured Josie Brown, Judith Maffitt and John McConnell – the latter in deep disguise.
The Cratchet family were portrayed nicely by Beverly Litton - who took on the role of Mrs Cratchett at short notice due to the illness of Sue Sefton - Elizabeth Coop (Belinda), Hannah Dallas (Martha), Michael Curry (Peter) and Thomas Scott as the lovable Tiny Tim.
An unusually large cast of minor principals and chorus toned in well to provide an enjoyable pre-Christmas production nicely costumed by a dedicated team and accompanied by a tuneful combo.
The Society has benefited from grants from the Warrington Coalfield Regeneration Programme, the latest being the provision of a superb set of curtains to enhance the stage. It was a pleasure to meet the administrator, Jo Jackson, who is most enthusiastic in her support for the society and the community of Burtonwood.
This is a welcoming go-ahead society encouraging the youth of the area to get involved in their future projects, both performing and back-stage, and I wish them well.
Thank You For the Music
Knutsford AOS
Producer & Chorus Choreographer: Brenda Brown
Musical Director: Gerald Hart
Dancers' Choreographer: Helen Bates
The show opened with the elegantly costumed ensemble performing a tribute to Cole Porter followed by a brilliant solo piano performance by the youthful Tom Baston, the grandson of maestro Gerald Hart. The young dancers entertained with a lively tap routine and then the ever-present Ron McCormick took the stage in a tribute to his idol Fred Astaire.
Harold Buck performed one of Billy Bennet's marvellous monologues and the ensemble then closed the first half with a 'Songs of London' routine.
Another tuneful selection opened the second half, followed by a solo performance, by the MD, of 'McArthur Park'; a further hilarious monologue by Harold Buck - so good to see him back on stage again after a lengthy spell of ill health - and a 'cello solo by the young highly talented Tom Baston.
A seasonal selection entitled 'Winter Wonderland' involving the entire company and the exquisitely costumed young dancers brought the curtain down on a first class production that was a lesson in how to perform a revue - fast moving, colourful and well staged.
A special word of praise for the unassuming MD Gerald Hart who not only led a tuneful trio made up of himself on keyboard, his aforementioned grandson Tom on piano and Jamie Arrowsmith on drums but who also made all the musical arrangements, adapting where necessary, to provide non-stop routines reminiscent of the late, lamented B&W Minstrel Shows.
Unfortunately, the society fell foul of the latest nonsensical licensing legislation which did not permit a five-night run. They, therefore, opened on Tuesday, had Wednesday off, then performed for the remainder of the week. Hopefully this did not deter the audiences from attending a most enjoyable show. Congratulations all round.
Disney's High School Musical
Mid-Cheshire A.O,S. {Youth Section)
Moving to a new venue, away from their own theatre, was always going to be a problem, but if the start of the show is going to be delayed by 15 minutes, then DO inform the audience of the reason why.
Never having seen the show before, I was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the cast. Playing to taped music is always difficult with the timing, etc., but these youngsters coped extremely well, just let down by the sound, which was far too loud.
There were two excellent leads in 'Troy (Andy Houghton) and Gabriella (Emily Hack) who proved to be very versatile, and they were followed by an array of talented teenagers lead by Ms. Darbus (Rachel Hack). Together with Sam McCormick (Chad), David Brooke (Zeke), Callum McColl (Bolton), Moffi Marldand (Martha), David Stevens (Jack), Freya Sutton (Taylor McKessie), James Thompson (Ripper), Ryan Ireland (Ryan Evans), Josie Bland (Kelsi) and Kathryn Cleverly (Sharpay) were all ideally cast.
The costumes looked good and the staging was simple but effective and easy to change and so kept continuity, but the lighting was not up to your usual high standard.
I was disappointed with the dialogue, which requires a lot of discipline and clear delivery but in Act One all the words were gabbled at such a pace that I was unable to make out what was being said. I feel had they had been directed to slow down it would have been perfect.
The second act got better with the cast continuing with boundless energy and they had the audience of mainly teenagers literally jumping to the lively numbers.
It was nice to see something different.
(K. Webb)