Show Reports for District 7  

CALDICOT MUSICAL THEATRE SOCIETY

CINDERELLA

Director: Vicki Day Assisted by: Hazel Ruddick Musical Director: Christian Pegley Choreographer: Vicki Day Assisted by: Megan FitzPatrick

I have always enjoyed Caldicot's pantomime and I enjoyed this one with exceptions. I was disappointed with the lack of adults on stage as I am sure the Society must be too. A few of the cast delivered their lines with no expression and the sound was poor. However, overall it was good. Cinders played by Sara Taylor played her part with plenty of light and shade, very good. Buttons played by Stuart O'Reilly, I though, did a good job. Well done. The Baron played by Glyn Harrison gave his usual good performance ably supported by Pat Welford as the Baroness. I like the "wig". Well Done. The Ugly Sisters, Gertrude played by Nick Skinner and Grizelda played by Luke Hereford both were really good although a little bit OTT and a bit naughty but nice (it's a pantomime). Prince Charming played by Jordan Bowen, Dandini played by Nicky Neil I felt both could have put more into their performances and the same must be said for the Fairy Godmother played by Megan FitzPatrick. Bodget played by Liam Richards and Leggett played by Natalie Bains (the Demolition Men) for two youngsters I thought they were very good. Hagan the Horse played by Charlie Edmunds and Oliver Skinner was also good. All other characters I though did a good job. The music was good, good choreography and some good singing. Overall I did enjoy the show. Thanks you for your hospitality.

CALDICOT MUSICAL THEATRE SOCIETY

The Likes of Us

Director/Choreographer Vicki Day

This delightful Tim Rice/ Andrew Lloyd Webber musical relating to part of the life of Dr Barnardo, was very well presented by this Society. This is a show with no script and relies on the skill of the Narrator to link it together as it moves from one scene to the next.
Caldicot had found the perfect person to undertake this role. Bruno Cook had all the skill required and his light hearted approach and rapport with the audience set the mood for the evening from his first words.
Barnardo was played by Nick Skinner. He looked right and his light voice was well suited and equal to the challenge of the Lloyd Webber music.Vicki Day combined the job of directing and choreographing the show with playing the part of Syrie. Well done Vicki you did both jobs extremely well. I loved your relationship with the children

Johnny and Jenny the 2 cockney lovers were well played by Luke Hereford and Zoe Walters
Glyn Harrison gave a touch of humour in his role of the Auctioneer with Jordan Bowen as the Prime Minister
Charlie Edmund and Ellie Bond as the lead children sang well and were well supported by the other 9 children

Last but not least was Jo Postle as Rose - the resident good time girl in the Edinburgh Gin Palace. A lovely performance Jo. I look forward to seeing more of you on my future visits to Caldicot. Rose tries her best to encourage her friends to remove Barnardo from the premises and his life's ambition. What a good job she failed!

Well done Caldicot and thanks for the invite

Review by Derek Grattidge.

CHEPSTOW AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

NEVER FOREVER

Director: Rick Hallett Musical Director: Backlin Jones Choreographer: Amanda Counsell

The show was a first for everyone. Put together by Rick Hallett. Peter Pan played by Pat Allard gave a very strong performance as did Tinkerbell played by Mo Fielding. This was a good performance with some nice singing. Wendy Darling played by Shelly Turner did a good job as the disgruntled teenager. Captain Hook played by Peter Stickler did very well. He and Smee played by Jodie Ryrie bounced off each other well. Croc' played by Alan Luke did a fine job as narrator. I liked the costume! All the other cast too numerous to mention made this a good show. On occasions there was subdued lighting and sound. I liked the low follow spot casting silhouettes of characters to the back cloth. Nice touch! This was Peter Pan with a different slant. I enjoyed the show. Thank you for your invite.

CHRISTCHURCH MUSIC SOCIETY

ADVENTURE IN PANTOLAND

Co Producers: Sian Williams & Katie Middleton Musical Director: Liz McAinsh Choreographer: "Team Effort"

This was a first for me to see five tales in one show. It was very different. The 'Dame' was very well played by David Middleton. He held his character all through the show. Well done! Louise Haycock as the 'Witch' gave a good performance. The Fool played by Dave Williams was also very good with his constant banter with the audience. The Fairy played by Deb Clark was kept very busy and did a good job. Wizbad played by Gareth Spreadbury came over well. Buttermilk the Cow played by Alice Baines and Bethan Rogers had a sound backing from the audience. A cow with attitude, well done! I have not seen this before. All the other cast were equally well performed. This Society pulls together. It was nice to hear that this production was the work of two young ladies and it's nice to see the Society giving them the chance. Good music, good scenery and costumes, good choreography and good sound. Well done ChristChurch and thank you for an enjoyable evening.

CONGRESS YOUTH THEATRE

RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET

Director Rachel Hamilton Musical Director Wayne Beecham Choreographer James Quartermain Set Designer Steve Denton
Reviewed by Dee Mc Ilroy on behalf of John Cantello

Red for excitement and it could be felt in the theatre, as this was the lighting colour of the interior of the star ship Albatross set which met us full on. An incredible set with split levels and musical instruments waiting for the cast to play, strategically placed and down lit in blue and green. Created by Steve Denton it was outstanding. These multi talented performers then entered and they could do it all, they were breathtaking!! This rock musical packed with fantastic numbers throughout is based on Shakespeare. With text that this company managed very well and made clear with crisp diction. Preparing for take off and landing, very good visual computer graphics were well used for impact. This is a show that roars through the numbers which back the text- asteroid attack- Great Balls of Fire, love problems solved -Good Vibrations!! The fabulous numbers just keep coming Shakin' All Over, Pretty Woman, It's In Her Kiss backed by creative and energised choreography. Any scene moves were handled by the cast to good effect and as talented musicians they accompanied the action, brilliant!
Talented Jon Parry as Captain Tempest commanded the stage with his strong voice and easy presence and excellent performances were also given by Poppy Mansfield(Keys/Drums) as Miranda, James Bryant as Dr Prospero, Conor Mc Givern Cookie, Anita Copley Science Officer, Ben Jeffries(Guitar/Bass) Bosun and Bridget Mansfield (Keys/Drums)Navigation Officer.
Kristian Gwilliam (Bass/Drums), a realistic and fantastic Ariel the Robot was very well played, manoeuvred on roller blades. The Starlette's, The Moody Blues, The Starbrights and The Albatross Crew electrified every scene
Thank you for your welcome. Congratulations to Director Rachel Hamilton MD Wayne Beecham Choreographer James Quartermain and team This production with vast visual and musical impact was another great success for this incredibly talented company.

CWMBRAN WOODLAND PLAYERS

MY FAIR LADY

Director Stephen Clark
Musical Director Sarah Fowler
Choreographer Nia Hawyes

My Fair Lady is one of my favourite shows and I like to see it performed correctly and Woodies did just that. What a pleasant show. Everyone on stage was really together. Lyn House as Professor Higgins did a grand job a really good performance. Rhiannon Cadwell as Eliza Doolittle also performed well. What a beautiful voice! Pat Martin gave the part of Alfred Doolittle just the right treatment a fine performance by an old hand. Colonel Pickering played by Jamie McAnsh was ably performed. This was his first time on stage and he’s one to watch. Lesley Grubb played the role of Mrs Pearce the sensible housekeeper just right. Alec Birchley did all he could with the role of Freddie Eynsford-Hill well done! Mrs Higgins played by Sue Dewar again, was played very well. Mrs Eynsford-Hill played by Eirona Cadwell, Jamie played by Christopher Harris, Harry played by Nigel Levi and Mrs Hopkins played by Jo Hamilton all came over very well. Christopher Hamilton as Professor Zoltan Karpathy did well for a first performance. Lord and Lady Boxington played by Robert Comben and Joyce Levi and the Bartender/Footman played by Tim Coombe all did very well. This was a good production with good chorus work and good choreography. This was Nia Hawyes debut as choreographer and for a young lady she did a fine job. Well done! Good costumes from Footlights, good sound and lighting, good scenery and backstage work a very enjoyable show thanks you for a nice evening.

MONMOUTH MUSIC THEATRE

MY FAIR LADY

DIRECTOR ANREW GRIFFITHS MUSICAL DIRECTOR IAN RUSSELL ACCOMPANIST HELEN STIDOLPH

The ever popular big production musical My Fair Lady, adapted from George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, came to Haberdasher's Monmouth in April. Challenging for any company, Monmouth Music Theatre rose to the challenge with a sound team of principals who all shone, a dedicated chorus and production team and a lively and sympathetic orchestra under the expert baton of M.D. Ian Russell.
Opening in Covent Garden this was an interesting scene full of bustling life and real characters who with Ann Hartland as Mrs Enysford Hill and Guiseppi Facciano as Freddy Eynsford Hill gave life to the scene. Then talented new member Louise Miller on her debut as Eliza Doolittle entered and lit up the stage selling her violets, clearly speaking her Cockney.
Louise embraced this character getting under her skin, feisty and yet vulnerable, and put everything into this mammoth role and made a good transition from flower girl to lady.
Another new member Graham Bryant as Henry Higgins was without doubt perfect for this part, relaxed, in control, giving the appearance of effortless acting, and there was chemistry between the two so important in this musical.
Doug Hall as Colonel Pickering played a gentle sympathetic role just right.
Some excellent scenes were created, chorus playing a large part and giving their all.
Only downside was the wide stage logistics of the theatre meant lengthy waiting for the scene change curtains in the numerous scene changes, lighting may have helped here.
Good solid performances were given by Jennet Evans as a caring Mrs Pearce and Andrew Griffiths brought Alfred P Doolittle to life and in scenes with the chorus and John Parfitt as Harry and Richard Ellis as Jamie, gave some rousing song and dance!
Margaret Wrightson made a forth right, nice cameo of Mrs Hopkins.
The Ascot scene looked very elegant, and for once the hats and costumes did not outshine Eliza's and made her entrance divine and extra special.
David Cantrell was well cast and stood out as Zoltan Caparthy, and special Jill Rogers was a scene stealer as Mrs Higgins she gave a fine, spirited performance!!
Well done to Director Andrew Griffiths,MD Ian Russell and Accompanist Helen Stidolph all the team and cast thank you for your kind welcome and invitation to your Annual Dinner I was pleased to present my Noda Regional District Award for Best Performance 2009 Mabel, The Pirates of Penzance to Diane Sillman.

NEW VENTURE PLAYERS
DOLMAN THEATRE NEWPORT

THE WEDDING SINGER

Directed by Gordon Collins, Assisted by Becky Phillips
Musical Director Brian Weir
Choreographer Abbey Gregory Assisted by Jess Needs

The show was a first for me, when it started I thought this is not for me, but soon changed my mind. This was another good production by Gordon Collins. Robbie hart was brilliantly played by David Constant, full of energy right though the show. Well done! Julia played by Sabrina Sydney also gave a good account of herself. Well Done! Rosie Brilliantly played by Debbie Postle, a great cameo part, milked for all its worth. Well Done! Sammy played by Paul Chard, Holly played by Georgia Tasker-Davies, George played by Gareth Tempest, Glen played by Nicky Chard and Linda played by Jess Needs, these and all other parts to numerous to mention were very well played. I enjoyed Billy Idol, Elvis Presley, Wonder Woman, Tina Turner and Mr T. All came over well. The choreography was very well done. This was a very good show. On the down side we did lose the sound on occasions and some lines were also lost. But it was very good and I enjoyed it. Thank you for a nice evening. .

NEW VENTURE PLAYERS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Director Gordon Collins Assisted by Becky Phillips/Georgia Tasker Musical Director BrianWeir Choreographer Abbie Gregory
Reviewed by Dee Mc Ilroy on behalf of John Cantello

What a special night !! New Venture Players created a magical Disney experience in the Dolman Theatre in March with their production of Beauty and the Beast. The story of an inconsiderate act against an old woman resulting in a spell cast on a Prince who is turned in to a beast and only reversed if he learns to love again.
I was pleased to see a production by this talented company who had an exceptional cast and the Disney effect was there throughout including creative lighting giving a perfect hue to the fantasy scenes.
Eloise Rossiter excelled as The Enchantress and Jess Needs as Belle a charming portrayal and what a wealth of talent this young lady has, her superb soprano filled the theatre, she moved and danced around the stage using all the space so well, her reactions to all she worked with so natural and sincere. Dave Constant played an excellent Young Prince, and Gerald Needs as Maurice and Mike Brown as Baker also did well. Luke Hereford as Lefou and Joe Tulloch as the self centred Gaston, brought energised performances enhanced by the totally focussed ensemble with powerful singing. A creative scene in the forest with four Wolves worked very well.
The Castle of the Beast brought us the totally involved characters, Gareth Tempest exceptional as Lumiere, perfect posture and diction, whilst James Stanford as Cogsworth
and Claire Willavise as Mrs Potts worked so well with all their co actors to make great humour work, with a lovely, fun performance by Abbie Gregory of Babette, Selena Jerome, polished as Madame and Josie Ash so cute as Chip. The demanding role of the Beast was entrusted to Ben Hurley and he met this challenge with a fine performance, his rich speaking and singing voice stunning and a commanding stage presence from Dave Constant as his double made his transformation work very well. A good role was played by Gordon Collins as Monsieur D'Arque
Congratulations to Director Gordon Collins, assisted by Georgia Tasker/Becky Phillips MD Brian Weir and Choreographer Abbie Gregory Thank you for your welcome.
Great set, costumes and lighting enhanced every wonderful scene and the appreciative audience and their applause said it all, a great show for all the family to enjoy.

NEWPORT OPERATIC SOCIETY

ANYTHING GOES

Producer: Claudia Barnes Choreographer: Sharon Fitzgerald Musical Director: Cathy Robins

This show has plenty going for it and this production used every opportunity to bring it out. Sharon Fitzgerald as Reno Sweeny gave a wonderful performance, strong singing and good dancing. Well done. Sandra Hourahine as Evangeline Harcourt gave her usual polished performance. Richard Dymond as Elisha Whitney came over well. John Weldon as Moonface Martin gave a very good performance. All other cast members too numerous to mention made this show a good one with plenty of light and shade. Good choreography, good music work and good costumes by ACE all helped to made this a very successful show.

NEWPORT PANTOMIME & MUSICAL SOCIETY

THE AMAZING ADVENTURE OF SINBAD THE SAILOR

Directed by Gordon Collins, Assisted by Becky Phillips
Director: Jamie Wright Musical Director: Gareth Rawle-Jones Choreography: Vanessa Clarke

I always enjoy this Society's productions and this year they did it again. Sinbad played by Natasha Bretten gave her usual polished performance. Princess Tamara played by Lee-Rose Walsh again a good performance. The duets with Sinbad came over well and blended nicely together. Sillibillibad played by Andy Murphy did a fine job as the village idiot, with plenty of tomfoolery! Well done. Peggy Poop Deck was played by Jamie Wright who gave a grand performance coupled with Sillibillibad we were well entertained. Scheherazade, the good fairy, played by Tirion Cowell who did as her name suggests gave a kind and gentle performance. The Sultana of Zanzibar played by Kerry Morgan gave her usual high performance always bigger than life, well done. The Wazir played by Gerald Needs again always reliable a job. Well done. Bluebeard the Pirate played by Lee James, Black-Eyed Pete played by Nathan Taylor and Jolly Roger played by Nick Brimble were the three baddies and did a very good job. Chief of the Roc Island played by Tracy Kilner, Polly the Parrot played by Bethany Poole and the Camel played by Domonic Lake and Bethan Rice all did well. I could not see a weak link anywhere, very well cast. Cast, scenery and costumes were all excellent. Good music with very appropriate melodies, good choreography and sound and plenty of audience involvement. In short a very good production. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

S.T.C MUSICAL SOCIETY

THE MUSIC MAN

Director: Sharon Davies Musical Director: John Murray Choregrapher: Philippa Jones

Opening with the train and salesmen too numerous to mention. Their rendition was nice and very well done. Harold Hill was very well played by Marc Williams. Marian Paroo played by Julie Williams again was very well done. Mrs Paroo played by Dianne Hayes gave a good performance with a good accent. Well done! Mayor Shinn was very well played by Graham Smith. This was a job well done. Chris Powell gave a good performance as Marcellus Washburn. All other characters in the show too numerous to mention were well performed. This was a good show very enjoyable with strong performances from everyone. Good music, good costumes, good choreography and good scenery. Thank you for your hospitality and a lovely evening.

S.T.C MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WINTER REVUE

DIRECTOR SHARON DAVIES MUSICAL DIRECTOR JOHN MURRAY CHOREOGRAPHER JULIE WILLIAMS
Reviewed by Dee Mc Ilroy on behalf of John Cantello

What a start to Christmas with S.T.C.!!
Opening with a fabulous 'Let us Entertain You' and they did, and in grand style, super!. The night was full of all the numbers we show lovers enjoy and a special Mr Cellophane, was performed by the amazing Peter Hourahine who also hosted the evening as no one else can, with humour and laughter for us all!!!
All numbers were simply great with original choreography by Julie Williams and dazzling innovative costumes. Stylish lighting enhanced every scene.
The highlights included Chris with Miss Saigon, sensational Daisy and Ffion with the lead song from Wicked.
These two are ones to watch, they gave a top quality star performance!
Direct from the 80's came a Fantastic Abba selection and The Last Man in My Life from the talented Diane, and a moving Tell Me on a Sunday from Sharon, and then the one and only Marc Williams, ably supported by Julie and Luke who gave us Jesus Christ Superstar.
The lively number, Fish and Chips from Charlie Girl, saw the energised chorus shine again, what a number that was. The deep and rich voice of Haydn was outstanding, combined with the perfect tones of Kelly as they sang Suddenly Seymore from Little Shop of Horrors this was a high spot of the evening.
The Christmas Villains Sketch was hilarious, these characters really gave us some Christmas comedy!
With a spectacular finale the whole cast sent us on our way with warm festive wishes for a Happy Christmas.
Congratulations S.T.C. you really know how to bring the theatre alive!

derek@noda-western.org.uk

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