Show Reports for District 5  

Abbey Players

“KISMET”

Directed & Choreographed by Barry E. McIlroy Guest Musical Director David John

As I was closely involved with this show I arranged for Past President of the Association Denzil Rees to review if for this edition of the NODA News.

This was a show I hadn’t seen for about 30 years which is a great pity as it deserves to be done more often. What show has more quality music ? Borodin’s well known themes run throughout and it needs singers of some calibre and an orchestra capable of making it sound just right, for it to be the great success this show was. I fully concur with the rave reviews by the local press.

Despite the fact that the Society lost its MD a couple of weeks before the show opened through a serious illness , they were so fortunate to find a most experienced man to act as their Guest Conductor and he was brilliant. There were no musical slip ups! Well done David John. You had obviously worked really hard in such a short period of time.

They had a new Director/Choreographer this year too which was just as well. Barry McIlroy – well known locally as he has been directing shows in a small radius of Swansea for the last 20 years or so was able to bring his ability to make detailed “pictures” from the first curtain to the finale. He is in so much demand throughout the UK that there is some doubt that he may not be able to direct them again in 2010 which is a great disappointment to us all.

They had a great cast of principal players. Society Chairman Lyn Williams was an exceptional Hajj – he never faltered with the libretto in his huge role and was superb vocally. Amy Ware as his daughter “Marsinah” making her debut with Abbey Players showed the result of her training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London and was ideal for this important role. The Caliph was well cast with Jonathan Lycett in the part: vocally more demanding than some of the major roles he has played in the Society. Claire Hanney was a stunning “Lalume” and filled her brief costumes handsomely. Claire has so many talents and is a great asset to the local Societies. Bruce Miller is always suitable for every role I’ve seen him play; it was fascinating to watch him play the Wazir. He never plays a “bad man” part ! Gwyn Lewis as Omar Khayyam was so well cast and was quite outstanding in this important role.

There were so many smaller but important parts and everyone of them was well-cast. The many dance parts led by Tracey John were excellently performed and the chorus moved well and made great backup and support for the principals. I was most impressed by the costumes from Ace of Tredegar and scenery from Scenic Projects in East Anglia.

I was delighted to see Abbey being supported by many local groups from as far away as Wellingborough. With everyone finding difficulty on putting bums on seats this is something we should all be doing.

Congratulations to all the Abbey Players for a great night out and our thanks for a super show, so well done.

BRITON FERRY MUSICAL THEATRE

“GIGI”

Directed & Choreographed by Barry E. McIlroy Musical Director – Lyndon Samuel

Gigi must have the shortest but most memorable title of any musical. Set in Paris in 1900 it made a great impact in the early 1960’s by Maurice Chevalier particularly, with a great cast that made their names in this lovely show.

The role of “Gigi” was admirably played by Catherine Brown making her debut with the Society. She was perfectly cast in the part and she made the transition from the little girl; to a worldly woman believable. With an excellent singing voice – her facial expressions were brilliant. Tim Williams as Honore now has a part that he can truly call his own – he was tremendous and the best part I have seen him play. His handsome nephew Gaston made this a perfect role for Tim Pottinger and he kept the French accent well throughout. Avis Jenkins portrayed the role of Grand Mamma Mamita gave it the required amount of gravitas and comedy. Gaynor Johnson was excellent as Aunt Alicia teaching Gigi the art of romance but not marriage.

The minor principals were all well cast and the singers and dancers complimented the show greatly.

Producer Barry McIlroy has the ability to create “pictures” on the stage and he certainly excelled himself with this show. He was blessed with lovely costumes by Ace of Tredegar and a luxurious set from Scenic Hire of Newport. Musical Director Lyndon Samuel – a newcomer to this Society, controlled the music and the orchestra well.

Congratulations to all for a lovely evening’s entertainment.

CLASS ACT THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

"CINDERELLA"

Director - Jill Williams Musical Director - Chris Lewis Author - Georgina Scannell. MBE.,

It's Panto Time again !! This very talented company started off the festive season in fine style with the ever popular "Cinderella" (with some new and interesting twists) but still kept to the well-known original story.

A large cast of 60 talented young performers used their energy, humour and stage skills to great effect and staged one of the best pantomimes seen at Pontardawe Leisure Centre. Cerys Thompson in the title role was a wonderful "Cinders" with good stage presence and excellent diction. She was able supported by Liz Stretton - a very confident Prince Charming Jonathan Lloyd Davies was, of course, way O.T.T. as Dame Blod although I found him hard to hear at times. The "stars" of the show were the Ugly Sisters Sha aka Sharon and Go aka Gladys so well played by Hannah Mason and Hannah Dunne - a class duo and not once did they lose their characters - certainly the best Ugly Sisters I have seen. Well Done !

All the other main parts and cameo roles were well cast and well played and gave great support to the show. They had lovely scenery, superb costumes, effective choreography and well-chosen music, all of which, brought to life this bright and energetic production. It was an up to date production with Cinders transported to the ball on a motor bike.

Congratulations to Jill Williams for yet another first class production which well deserved the accolade it richly deserved from a capacity audience. Well done all.

Curtain Up Youth Theatre

Seussical the Musical

Maesteg Town Hall 26 November 2009
Co-Directors Sarah Thomas & Ruth Whelan Musical Director Richard Norton

Having never seen "Seussical " before and being a comparative novice of the Dr Seuss stories I wondered whether I would be a able to follow this musical presented by Curtain Up Youth Theatre but I need not have. This talented and energetic group provided one of the best evenings entertainment I have ever had. The story takes the well known characters from the original Dr Seuss stories and intertwines them with a very interesting story told in part narration by the "Cat In the Hat" played with great confidence by Caitlin Whelan on the evening I attended. Aled Williams gave an outstanding performance as Horton the Elephant bringing every emotion possible to the role, and partnered with Amy Thomas as JoJo, gave us a wonderful example of being "independent thinkers". A relatively rock score had the young people singing very well and provided the correct atmosphere to a show that was full of energy.

Congratulations Curtain Up on performing this relatively new musical with great aplomb and I wish you every success especially next year in your 10th Anniversay.

CWM MUSICAL THEATRE

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Director – Wayne Durston Musical Director – Ashley Wilkes This was a pantomime played in true tradition and had all the ingredients for a fun evening.
The opening scene was the Village Green with all the children singing “ Another opening Another Show” from ‘Kiss Me Kate’. Granny Bean (James Hall) was a most likeable Dame with all the trappings of outrageous costumes and wigs – with sharp comedy and a bright way with the kids. The “Hero” – Jack sang well and was very confident for one so young – and the evening I attended it was played by Rhys Ferris. We all wanted him to win his love of Princess Lima (Kerrianne Bath) who looked every inch a Princess and his wish came true.
Daisy the Cow – always a great favourite with the children – was well performed by Lyn Williams and Bethan Thornton. The evil Squire Harry Coe had his fair share of Boo’s and Whistles from the large audience. All the minor roles were well played with some lovely chorus singing especially in the finale and that was “Always look on the Bright Side of Life” The Habbibi Dancers gave us some entertaining dancing in their traditional costumes.
Congratulations to Wayne Durston who played Jasper and produced it all. The duo combo of Ashley Wilkes and Wayne Mylan kept it all moving at a brisk tempi
Thanks you for a pleasant evening’s entertainment..

CWM MUSICAL YOUTH

ANNIE

Directed by Wayne Durston Musical Director – Ashley Wilkes

A very strong talent is needed for the title role of Annie and this was evident in Chloe Johns’ singing and characterisation, living the part from start to finish. The orphans of course, sang and acted their hearts out as kids do! - each one contributing individually in aiding Annie in her many escapades.

Rhodri Morgan was well cast Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire industrialist along with his Secretary, Grace Farrell played by Natasha McCarthy-Jones with great authority. Kayleigh Norman pulled out all the stops as the drunken Miss Hannigan known to all as the tyrant of the orphanage.

I enjoyed Liam Sefton as Rooster – Miss Hannigan’s conniving brother – and his moll Lily St.Regis played by Amie Adams. Both well-demonstrated their criminal intent throughout. James Hall was a most convincing President Roosevelt.

Wayne Durston is to be congratulated for all his work in co-ordinating everyone involved in making this a most enjoyable performance. He had much assistance from MD Ashley Wilkes and a splendid orchestra and a most efficient stage crew.

Congratulations to you all and my thanks to your Chairman particularly for his warm welcome.

THE GORSEINON PLAYERS

“GODSPELL”

Producer – Jeff Lewis Musical Director – Christopher Thomas Choreographers – Allison Gough and Emma Miller

This report was compiled by Past President Denzil Rees as I was very involved with my own Society’s show of “Kismet”.

There are many “youth” societies playing in the area these days and the standard that most of then reach is quite high. The ingenuity that their parents achieve in providing wonderful costumes to say nothing of providing an extensive taxi service for their children and help by becoming make-up people and stage crew etc. is quite remarkable.

The Gorseinon Players is one such Society and my wife and I were very pleasantly surprised with the high standard they showed with this performance of “Godspell” The show opened with a very young boy – Ben Thomas – making his way to the stage via the auditorium singing in a beautiful dulcet voice “Prepare yea” This 8 year old was, unfortunately, only one of the three talented males in the show.

If the girls and ladies in this slick production needed assistance, they certainly didn’t show it to the audience. The female players doubled for males in certain parts but this substitution was hardly noticed by the smallish but generous audience.

Sean Davies playing “The Master” or Jesus Christ played this huge role with great aplomb and never faltered in the enormous amount of dialogue he needed to speak. I have always thought that most amateur groups hardly have the luxury of having understudies and we take awful chances in not having back-ups. Matthew Bawden who was “Judas” sustain a serious leg injury the day before the show opened but played this so important role on crutches with a foot in plaster. He and the group were very lucky on this occasion and many congratulations to Matthew for a fine job – well done.

Sean Davies playing “The Master” or Jesus Christ played this huge role with great aplomb and never faltered in the enormous amount of dialogue he needed to speak. I have always thought that most amateur groups hardly have the luxury of having understudies and we take awful chances in not having back-ups. Matthew Bawden who was “Judas” sustain a serious leg injury the day before the show opened but played this so important role on crutches with a foot in plaster. He and the group were very lucky on this occasion and many congratulations to Matthew for a fine job – well done.

The company had good support from a limited orchestra well lead by Christopher Thomas and the audience, like Pauline and me, went home having enjoyed a lovely evening in lovely company.

MAESTEG AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

“ HOT MIKADO”

Director – Sarah M Thomas Musical Director - Susan M. Heffey Choreographer – Susan Bickle

As the title suggests, the familiar Sullivan music has undergone a complete charge of style with jazzed-up music and many energetic routines replacing the well-known movements we have known over many years.

The lively “Gentle of Japan” opening male chorus made an immediate impression and from then on, this production, romped along from start to finish.

Mike Jones made an excellent Nanki-Poo and despite some of the awkward libretto of Gilbert that this character has to utter, came over as an extremely competent player. Alan Flay as Ko-Ko was seldom out of the action and to sustain the character throughout, required a rare talent. He made the most of this comic role but at times, a little O.T.T. BUT, we still had a talented performance from this young man. The Pooh-Bah of Anthony Mullins was well-played displaying all the silly titles he had been given with the appropriate amount of authority.

Samantha Thalayasingham as Yum-Yum gave a remarkable performance and was perfect in the role and character. When joined with her companions Peep-Bo played by Sian Rees and the Pitti-Sing of Rhian Hughes, made a great trio.

Jane Mullins gave us a faultless performance as the overpowering and overbearing Katisha. She was so confident in all things plus her “big” voice helped in the characterisation of the part. A toure de force for this talented lady.

All the other principal players were well cast – not forgetting Jim Lediard as the Mikado who gave an excellent interpretation of the role. The chorus and Dancers gave great support and deserved the ovation they received from an appreciative audience.

This was a well-directed and well-choreographed show with music from the Titipu Big Band. who played the very difficult score with gusto. Many Congratulation to Director Sarah Thomas and to Susan Heffey who was an outstanding Musical Director. One mustn’t forget petite Susan Bickle too who designed the intricate choreography.

A great night was had by one and all.

Congratulations to you all and my thanks to your Chairman particularly for his warm welcome.

MUSICALITY ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

“ DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2”

Directors – Paul Francis & Amanda Murphy Musical Director – Kerry Rogers

Act I opens with Ms Darbus played by Jackie Thomas the feisty homeroom teacher waving Goodbye to her students for the Summer vacation at East High School - so they think!! Sharpay plan to spend her vacation at their families country club “Larva Springs” But, she also planned to pursue Troy Bolton, the school heartthrob and Captain of the Wildcats, the Basketball Team.

From here, the drama unfolds where some friendships are tested ands others blossom and as ever, there is never a dull moment as we follow this extremely complex plot of the East High pupils.

The main praise for this incredible production goes to the Producer Paul Francis and Amanda Murphy for the ability to control and choreograph 70 youngsters under the age of 18 years to such a high standard.

I must single out Richard Lee Lewis (Troy), Hannah Martin (Gabriella), Grace Huxtable (Sharpay) and Vicky Merriman (Ryan) for their excellent performances. There were many well-played principal roles chorus and dancers alike. What an abundance of energy from these talented performers! Their enthusiasm continued well after the curtain came down with many of their leading players signing programmes in the foyer of the theatre. This was a great night’s entertainment and Congratulations to you all.

I look forward to your next production – which is “A Chorus Line” in 2010. My thanks, of course for your hospitality and warm welcome.

Congratulations to you all and my thanks to your Chairman particularly for his warm welcome.

OVATION MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY

“HAIRSPRAY”

Director – Anthony Argyle Musical Director – Carolyn Davies I was delighted to accept an invitation by this recently joined NODA Society who played the newly released Broadway production of “Hairspray” at the Canolfan Vidum Centre Theatre at Neath College.
These youngsters proved what enthusiastic talent there is in the Community of Neath.

We were transported back to the 60’s era where Tracey Turnblad played by Zoe Hailstone – a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart has only one passion – to dance! As she set out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her Mum Edna (excellently played by Jay Smith) and to win the boy Link she loves – played by Joseph Robinson.
All these leading players were so well cast and had abounding talent with great backing from the well motivated company.
Sets were simply but effective and the scene changes were almost effortless with imaginative lighting. Costumes and wigs were of the 60’s period and very correct.
Choreography was first class with music very much upbeat of the period. This production had everything - the ultimate feel-good show with very slick staging by Director Anthony Argyle. . They had great backing by their orchestra under the control of Carolyn Davies.
All in all, this was a triumph for this Musical Company. Thank you all particularly for your warm welcome.

PORT TALBOT A.O.S. YOUTH THEATRE

“THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE”

Producer – Claire Barnett Musical Director – Lyn Evans Choreographer – Emily Roberts

Once again, this Youth Theatre triumphs with a delightful trip into the land of Narnia. A land frozen in eternal winter, just waiting to be set free by the four adventurous children who step into a wardrobe, full of fur coats, out of the back, into a world of animals and the White Witch.

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy played by Corey Bridgeman, Catrin Harris, Nicholas Jones and Jessica Warren-Basham gave very polished performances with first class diction, along with Aslam the Lion (Thomas Scourfield) and the White Witch (Carly Puckett) . There were some lovely portrayals from the supporting cast and good characterisations especially from Mr. Beaver (Daniel Gammond) and Tummus (Hannah J.Jones).

The costumes, mostly animals, were well-devised by the Youth Theatre and the simple set just transformed into the “winter wonderland” very easily.

Congratulations must go to Claire Barnett and her production team for their dedicated work – as always.

There are ten of the cast who played in this production retiring from the Youth Section and are now members of the Senior Society and we wish them well. We seldom hear of this happening but such is the quality of this group, it is well worth reporting.

A most enjoyable evening – everyone including the many children in the audience loved it – Well done to you all. Thank you for your warm welcome and your kind hospitality as usual.

UPLANDS ARTS

“PATIENCE”

Director – Sarah Griffiths Musical Director - Roger Hart

First performed in 1881, the operetta proved a great success and ran for 578 performances. Unfortunately, for what ever reason, Patience or Bunthorne’s Bride today is now not so well known, and rarely played these days.

The part of Bunthorne, the idyllic sought after poet was well-played by Dean Parker with lightness of foot and suitably foppish manner. His performance was well complimented by the equally foppish blonde Grosvenor (Ian Anderson). The pair brought out all the nuances in Gilbert’s script very well.

In the title role of Patience, Bronwen Becket-Evans was charmingly naive and surprised us all with a very Welsh accent. As usual, her singing and acting was outstanding. Ann Davies was an austere Lady Jane and made the most of the comedy in the role. Well Done! A good cameo was played by Ann Cowper as Mr. Bunthorne’s solicitor. All of the supporting characters gave fine performances particularly, in the finale of Act I.

The chorus of Dragoons and lovesick maidens were in fine voice. The attractive costumes by Carousel Costume Hire and attractive scenery by Scenic and Property Hire, Newport helped to enhance the show.

Congratulations to Sarah Griffiths making her debut as their Director and to Roger Hart and his orchestra which he well controlled throughout.

This was a most amusing evening – Well Done to you all and my Thanks to the retiring Chairman, Anne Thomas for her ever warm welcome and hospitality.


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