SWEET CHARITY
SWEET CHARITY
Epsom Playhouse, October 2024
The first performance of ‘Sweet Charity’ was at the Palace Theatre, New York, in January 1966 where it ran for 608 performances. It then opened at The Prince of Wales Theatre, London in October the following year.
This is Cy Coleman’s most successful and most often revived show and was one of Broadway’s greatest-ever dance musicals, earning him the Tony Award.
Your production was superbly presented and there wasn’t a single weak link amongst the cast. This show is often spoken of as a vehicle for one woman but the whole company unstintingly supported the massive role of Charity and each one of them gave a praiseworthy performance themselves.
In the title role Felicity Butler was brilliant. She was the full package of actor, singer and dancer and her timing and sense of comedy were excellent.
Her two pals Nickie and Helene were played by Monica Turnbull and Emma Allen respectively and they played her stalwart friends and fellow dance hostesses with skill and enthusiasm.
Herman who is ‘in charge’ of the ladies was tough but very likeable – James Turnbull had to wait a long time for his solo ‘I love to cry at Weddings’ and when it came it was well worth waiting for - expertly sung.
Hannah Leopold made a glamorous Ursula, and John Sutherland gave an accomplished performance as the charming film star Vittorio Vidal. He extracted every bit of comedy from the role.
The shy and socially awkward Oscar Linquist, the man who appeared to be Charity’s key to freedom from the rather seedy life she led, was played convincingly by Max Marchesi, and his panic in the stationary lift was extremely convincing.
In the role of Daddy Brubeck – what a great part that is – Tyrone Haywood was excellent. The ‘Rhythm of Life’ number was absolutely brimming with energy and joy, and the mixed, colourful costumes of the era transported many of us back to the 1960’s. It was a highlight of the musical.
Martin Guest gave a calm and confident performance epitomising the well-trained, discreet butler, Manfred.
The hostesses’ costumes were delightfully tacky and their hair, hair-pieces and I think a couple of wigs, were of the era.
Choreography by Karen Ward was first class and added greatly to the overall presentation of the show. The featured dancers were exceptional.
The single figure of Charity on the red-lit stage with the backdrop of The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building made for a striking opening - indeed the lighting was very good throughout – and the ‘lake’ was handled well, in the way it often is – in the wings.
The various scenes were soundly depicted by the furniture; the dance hall, the lift, the subway the Coney Island Big wheel, and Vittorio’s attractive bedroom was splendid. Properties were suitable for the piece
‘News’ placards with information for the audience were attractive and fun but a couple of them were too small to be able to read.
Under the baton of Brian Steel the musicians were commendable. The volume was controlled and the balance secure. I enjoyed all of the musical numbers, so many of them well-known, with perhaps ‘Big Spender’ being up there with ‘Rhythm of Life’ in popularity.
Stage Direction by Chris Malone was praiseworthy and he, along with Brian and Karen brought the absolute best out of the talented company. Together they provided a first -ate evening’s entertainment.
Thank you for inviting me to attend ‘Sweet Charity’ and for your kind hospitality on the evening. It was a most memorable production.
May I wish you all at BMT a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2025.
E. Gloria Smith
NODA. SE Regional Representative – District 12
COMPANY
COMPANY
ACT Theatre April 2024
There is little I am able to add to the comprehensive information in your
programme about this musical which I’ve seen only once before. It was quite a
few years ago but at that time it didn’t make enough of an impression on me
to remember very much about it; I was looking forward to renewing my
acquaintance with the show and also Sondheim’s music.
My goodness – what an impression it made this time!
The Theatre at Kingston College worked very well for this style of musical and it
felt as though we, the audience, were a part of the action on stage,
eavesdropping as the relationships within the five couples unfolded.
The floor was spacious and the sofas and drink trolleys were quickly and
quietly moved between scenes to convey the next location. The stairs, and the
platform linking them, gave an extra dimension to the setting and were used
effectively. Lighting and sound were good,
The relationships, all different, between the five couples were brilliantly
portrayed. A while ago I sang ‘The Little Things We Do Together’ in a
compilation show but I didn’t appreciate the brilliance of the words and music
until watching/listening to it in context in your production last week.
Robert’s birthday celebration, complete with cake and colour co-ordinated
beautifully wrapped gifts, opened the show and was a recurring theme.
The five couples were introduced and I liked the way that each pair were
costumed in a colour scheme and style to match their personalities.
I cannot fault any of the actors. They all gave superb performances and
brought their characters to life brilliantly. So many of the observations and
much of the dialogue/lyrics brought to mind attitudes and happenings which
probably every single member of the audience recognised from some time in
their past or present.
Sondheim’s music is not as easy on the ear as is many other composers but the
cast delivered the musical numbers with skill and confidence.
I particularly noted ’The Little Things You Do Together, ‘Have I Got A Girl For
You’, ‘Getting Married Today’ and ‘Marry Me A Little’, as really good -- but
there were so many others that I enjoyed too.
The three girlfriends were played strongly and Bobby tried hard to convince
himself that he wanted marriage, despite the clear messages from his friends –
a classic case of grass being greener on the other side! Sophie, Aimee and Rosa
each presented a totally different personality and each had her own
attractions, perhaps showing how confused Bobby was with regard to
understanding what he wanted, or needed, in order to make a commitment.
There wasn’t a great deal of choreography/dancing in this production, just in
the Second Act when the couples sang about what they would do without
Bobby, (not sure of the title) and Della made that an attractive number with
good movement.
I haven’t named the cast individually as I usually do when writing my report
and massive congratulations go to them all: Sam Quick, Nichola Dalaziel, John
Sutherland, Subha Chelvam-Lewis, Gareth Lewis, Emma Allen, Sebastion
Roughley, Bex Wood, Ido Gonen, Helen Burgess-Bartlett, Matt Weaver, Sophie
Toyer, Aimee Clark- Hooker and Rosa Bailey. You all gave exceptional
performances. Some of you had more meaty roles and left more of a mark but
that was in the casting.
The Band, lead by Dennis Hooker, was balanced and the volume was perfect. It
worked well their being up on the balcony.
Chris Malone did a superb job on the stage direction and ‘Company’ is a show
that will remain in my memory for a long time.
Everyone involved should be proud of the amazing entertainment they
provided for their audiences. It was a fabulous evening’s entertainment.
Your programme is nicely presented, easy to negotiate and full of information.
One negative point is that the purple colour is dark and the print is rather small
and so it was difficult to read in the theatre. By contrast the pink was very clear
on the purple.
Thank you for inviting me to see ‘Company’ and thanks also to Alma for her
warm welcome and kind hospitality on the evening. I look forward to seeing
‘Sweet Charity’ in October and note that you will be back at your usual venue –
Epsom Playhouse.
E. Gloria Smith
NODA SE Representative – District 12
CHESS The Musical
CHESS The Musical
Adrian Mann Theatre May 2023
Having taken part in this musical twice I was delighted to attend your production last week and to be able to enjoy it once again. I was reminded of how little dialogue there is in the show and how challenging the musical numbers are. The details of the story are in the lyrics and so first -rate diction is essential. From the opening number and throughout the show every word could be heard.
The musicians strongly led by Amy Bryce were excellent, and it worked well their being upstage from the cast. There were only five of them and as Amy says they were ‘small but mighty’.
The opening scene with the oversized chess pieces was visually attractive and the two levels, with stairs on each side, made for interesting settings. The chess championship took place on the upper level leaving space on the stage for the ballets.
The Arbiter is responsible for keeping the audience up to date with the happenings at the chess championship and it was interesting to see a female cast in the part. I loved the interpretation as it made for a much more attractive character. Lisa Scott was strong, sexy and perfect for the role.
Gareth Alber gave a good performance as the self centred Frederick Trumper and has a notable singing voice. His ‘Pity The Child’ was moving. As his girlfriend and ‘second’, Florence Vassy, who had to tolerate his temperamental, unpredictable behaviour, Chloe Yates was first rate. She has an incredibly powerful voice but moderated it beautifully when it was needed, and she acted out every single word she sang. The relationship between her and Anatoly was totally believable – they had great on-stage chemistry.In that role Toby James was commendable. He was a complete contrast to the narcissistic Trumper, gentle and charming and it was easy to see why Florence would have fallen for him. His singing of ‘The Anthem’ was a highlight of the show.
Paul Bullock gave a good performance as Molokov - manipulative and underhand - a minder as much as a ‘second’. His ‘Soviet Machine’ was a great number. In the role of Walter de Courcey, an apparently respectable yet sly marketing agent, Didrick Finne acquitted himself very well.
‘I know Him So Well’ was beautifully sung by the two ladies and in the role of Svetlana, Ellie Skipper gave a convincing performance as the unsophisticated Russian wife. The song stands alone and didn’t need anything more on stage whilst they were singing it.
The various other supporting roles and members of the chorus added a great deal to the presentation of the musical, as did the ballets during the silence of the chess games. Emma Bullock’s choreography was interesting and suitable for the different countries and the cast were well rehearsed in their movements. There was a particularly speedy change from Cheerleaders into ballet costumes!
Costumes were good and represented the various places and nationalities splendidly. The red and black theme worn with sunglasses was very striking.
Furniture was simple and mostly fine but the bed used was rather basic –more like a hospital bed than one in an hotel room. In the Second Act a throw was over the head end and so it looked a little less stark. Perhaps a false headboard could have been made to soften the clinical look.
Lighting enhanced the different places and moods and the sound was good. The only time it wasn’t possible to hear the dialogue was in the reporting scene when the individual reporter’s lines, mostly spoken upstage, were inaudible.
The stage crew worked quickly and efficiently and the many properties used were all suitable and visually attractive, adding
much to the staging.
I noted that the Embassy Office was a particularly interesting scene and that the opening of Act Two in Bangkok was bustling and colourful.
Zak Negri did a splendid job on the direction and presentation and had clearly put a great deal of thought into how he wanted to stage the show. ‘Chess’ was indeed a praiseworthy debut.
Your programme is well set out and is interesting to read – the two page inclusion of the story of Chess is a brilliant idea, especially considering the small amount of dialogue there is in the show.
Thank you for inviting me to see ‘Chess’. I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and very much appreciated your kind hospitality.
E. Gloria Smith
NODA SE Regional Representative – District 12.
The Baker’s Wife
The Baker’s Wife
The Green Room Theatre December 2022
Ninety years ago, in 1932, the story of ‘The Baker’s Wife’ was first published. It was made into a film in 1938 and the musical was first staged in the West End during November 1989.
The Green Room Theatre is a very intimate space and was perfect for this production. The opening set in the café felt as though we, the audience, were sitting amongst the cast and eavesdropping on the happenings.
The projections worked really well and easily transported the audience to the next scene and the cast and crew worked quickly and quietly to help set the stage.
Costumes and properties/furniture were all appropriate for the show.
The musical starts with Denise giving background to the story which sets the scene for what is to follow. Lisa Scott’s diction, singing and acting were all first rate. She gave a commendable performance.
Another excellent performance was given by Mike Lock as Aimable Castagnet. His every word could be heard and his singing voice was impressive. His unassuming character and the controlled way he dealt with Genevieve’s disappearance were beautifully depicted.
Paul Bullock also gave a good performance as Claude the café owner. He had an air of Rene in ‘Allo Allo’.
As Dominique, James Bailey acted the part welland ‘Proud Lady’, not an easy song to sing, came across strongly.
In the role of Genevieve Louise Goodge has a lovely singing voice but she didn’t projectenough which was particularly noticeable on occasion because the band was too loud. She clearly put a lot of expression in ‘Meadowlark’ but as soon as her voice dropped the band overpowered her. I was very near the front but it was not always easy to pick up her dialogue. The scene when she returns to Aimable was an emotional one. Aimable’s comments were clearly intended for her but addressed to the cat– supposedly stage left - and I could sense that she was expressing emotion, but because she faced stage left toward Aimable I couldn’t see any of it. It would have helped if she had been directed to face front from time to time during that scene so that we could see her anguish.Her rendition of ‘Gifts of Love’ was very thought-provoking and beautifully sung.
The three ladies number was fun and cheeky with nice choreography by Roz Copeland, but again the vocals were overpowered by the musicians, although I did think that maybe two of the ladies weren’t singing? Perhaps they were unable to sing due to illness.
There was a notable number with choreography that the men sung, I’m not sure of its’ title and ‘Merci Madame’ sung by Amiable was super.
This is a wonderful ensemble piece about life in a small village as experienced by the locals andthe company individually portrayed their different characters strongly throughout. They were all-important to the show and gave worthy support to the principals. It was very satisfying to see Hortense finally pluck up the courage to walk out on her boor of a husband and also the way that the two men forgot their arboreal differences in order to join in the search party. I’m sure we could all recognise traits in either ourselves or people we know amongst the villagers!
Nikki Sowe ensured that the comedy was brought out pointedly.
Your programme contains all the necessary information.
Thank you for inviting me to see the production and also for your hospitality on the evening - itwas an enjoyable and entertaining one. It was good to see Maya again and also to meet the director Nikki.
I wish you all at BANOS a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2023. I am very much looking forward to seeing ‘Chess’ in May - one of my favourite shows!
E. Gloria Smith
N.O.D.A. S.E. Regional Representative – District 12
Kinky Boots The Musical
Epsom Playhouse 25th-28th May 2022
‘Kinky Boots’ is based on the true story of Steve Pateman and the attempt made to save the family shoe factory in Northampton in 1979. The original production premiered in Chicago in 2012 and then on Broadway in 2013. It ended in 2019 and the West End debut was in 2015.The scene was set immediately on entering the theatre as the main tabs were open revealing the frontage of the shoe factory. The set was excellent and behind the frontage was the well-equipped floor of the shoe factory. I assume that the set came with the relevant furniture and, if not then those sourced by the company were realistic and very much in keeping with the era.Action started with a wonderfully busy opening scene and the ensemble rendition of Price and Son Theme. As Charlie Price, Zak Negri acted and sang well and ‘Not My Father’s Son’, sung as a duet with Lola, was very thought provoking. Nicola, Charlie’s girlfriend, was played with confidence by Helen Burgess-Bartlett. She had good stage presence and an impressive singing voice. The ‘row’ scene with Charlie was superbly acted by both of them. As the story unfolded and Charlie realised that Nicola had a different agenda to his re the factory, then Lauren replaced her in his affections. In that role, Zoe Parker was a relaxed and natural performer. She was instrumental and supportive in his taking the factory into a new era that would hopefully make it a success again---- and it did. Undoubtedly the star of the show was Markus Martinez in the role of Lola/Simon and it was very difficult to watch anyone else when he was on stage. He was loud and showy as Lola but also had a soft underbelly which showed his vulnerability. He gave a terrific performance. Playing his backing group The Angels, all four of the actors, Max Cunningham, Louise Camby, Karen Ward and Tyrone Haywood were very well-rehearsed and they performed their dance routines with style - Max Cunningham was captivating. Steve Clemo was commendable as the factory manager George. He was tough when things were going wrong, always there for Charlie and loyal to the family firm and he appeared totally at ease in the role. Peter French made a macho Don, typical 1970’s man, and the fight scene with Lola/Simon was convincing. The two young boys, Ethan Manwaring and Charlie Irwin made their mark as Young Lola/Simon and Young Charlie respectively and show great promise for the future. Alex Kuscharski put his all into his cameo role as Harry and Monica Turnbull and Carolyn Green were strong in their supporting roles of Pat and Trish. There were many other named roles undertaken by members of the society and without exception they all added greatly to the overall presentation of ‘Kinky Boots’. They were full of energy and remained in their characters throughout.The bar scene was wonderfully atmospheric enhanced by the lighting and Lola’s visit to the Nursing Home was really moving causing me to have a lump in my throat! The thrust used as the catwalk for the fashion show worked perfectly and the scene changes were carried out quickly and efficiently.Costumes were good - Lola’s were magnificent and The Angels ones too were impressive. The boots were amazing and what a surprise in the finale when everyone on stage wore a pair! The costumes in the finale were super and the company were really having a great time in ‘Raise You Up/Just Be’.James’s stage direction was excellent and Della Bhujoo did a wonderful job with the choreography.On occasion the music was a little loud but it’s quite possible that it wasn’t a problem for other members of the audience. ‘To Be Like Him’ was incredibly poignant and beautifully sung and acted. The other two especially memorable songs were Charlie’s ‘Soul Of A Man’ and Lola’s ‘Hold Me In Your Heart’.It was a most enjoyable production.
Bad Girls The Musical
Adrian Mann Theatre - 15th - 18th May 2019
Sometimes when watching a musical you simply have to say "WOW". This was definitely one of those rare occasions. From the opening scene to the splendid finale this production gripped the senses in electrifying manner. Directed to near perfection by the visionary Jeffrey Chinappen, the show is based upon the award winning television drama of the same name by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus in collaboration with Kath Gotts and Maggie Norris.
Somewhat to my amusement, I was asked if I was broad minded by a prominent member of the company when I attended. Indeed, this would not be a show for narrow minded or bigoted people and all the better for not being so! In fact, that mainstream TV and theatre audiences in general are now able to see and enjoy such a gritty and lifelike characterisation of life inside a women's prison speaks volumes for the success that theatre has helped to achieve in pushing aside the old narrow views that once were, sadly, commonplace. Vive la difference!
Quite irrespective of the admirable production and cast performances, Bad Girls stands as a top rate musical in its own right. Filled with catchy tunes and some memorable songs and beautifully written plot and characters, I consider this show to be among the first rank of great shows I have ever seen. Full marks, therefore, to BANOS for choosing this wonderful show.
With twenty scenes in all, it was imperative that set changes be swift, seamless and with a sensible lack of over bulky set in general in favour of smaller and easily portable items well managed by SM Sarah Wood and her team which ensured the all important scene continuity and speed.
Musical Director Dawn Tolley's five piece band did sterling work on the all important music and balance was excellent. Songs were sung with much feeling and conviction with a number of principal characters having fine singing voices.
Choreographers Kelly Neilson and Jeffrey Chinappen set some interesting and crisply danced routines, which made for a very good overall impression.
All the principal players gave outstanding performances and the depth of principal talent was rich and heartening to see. Jennie Morrison, as the headstrong and ill treated by the justice system, Nikki Wade, gave a brilliant, gritty and highly charismatic performance. Her mutual attraction to the honourable wing governor Helen Stewart - played to perfection by Victoria Swain - was a tale of burgeoning mutual love overcoming all obstacles and was, for my money, the most heart warming of the many interwoven plots and sub-plots in this beautifully written piece.
Two joint baddie roles, both wolves in ill disguised sheep's clothing as prison officers, were given by Kevin Hayes as the sleazy Jim Fenner and, pushing Kevin very hard in the performance stakes, was the admirable Sue Massingham as his partner in crime Sylvia (Bodybag) Hollamby. Kevin achieved a touch of greatness rarely seen in amateur theatre and to say I was impressed is a huge understatement.
The direction and portrayal of the chained to the bed scene where Fenner met his nemesis, courtesy of Shell, was a thing of wonder and perhaps the most powerfully played single scene I have seen this year.
It is difficult, even so, to pick this scene out as the single show highlight, so wonderful was the whole production.
Helen Burgess-Bartlett as the prison brutalised and hardened Shell Dockley, with her growling "pet Rottweiler" in tow in the guise of Denny Blood, inhabited rather than played by Catherine Quinnn, were both acting masterpieces.
And then there were the Two Julies! Julie Saunders and Julie Johnston, played by Carolyn Green and Nikki Sowe respectively were yet two more diamonds, sparkling among many others in this overflowing Pirates Treasure Chest.
If you are going to be a newbie prisoner who soon becomes top dog in a female prison, a large dollop of swagger, presence and sheer personality would seem to be a requirement. Anyone interested in playing such a role should first apply for permission to hire these qualities from Emma Pearson, as Yvonne Atkins. Emma owns the copyright !
But this show just kept on giving and it is a real task to find superlatives with which to adequately describe it.
Zak Negri, all bonhomie and decency as Officer Justin Mattison, with his embarrassing misjudgement of the inclinations of his friend and colleague Helen, played all his scenes with his customary skill and he is already, though still young, a performer of some renown.
Poor terrified and overwrought new prisoner Rachel Hicks whose grizzly fate was, if not actually predictable, hardly a surprise was given huge authenticity by the talented Emma Bullock.
Sadly, space prevents me spelling out the names and talents of all the other players on stage. However, smaller roles and cameos were given by all the other players in varying amounts and each one added lustre to this amazing show. I want though to especially praise the singing of Rosalind Holden as Crystal Gordon who opened Act Two in rare style with the well sung "Freedom Rd" with all the Prisoners.
Whether dancing, singing, acting or whatever they were doing this was the single most impressive and richly talented cast I have had the pleasure of watching this season.
However, backstage talents are also vital to the success of this show and the skills and imaginative use of lighting and sound, courtesy of Amy Worral, John Aldis and Ben Jeffreys on lighting, together with Steve Clemo, Colin Hannah and Howard on sound, matched the talents on stage.
Set was an in house team effort and all the better for that. Luisa Puig coordinated costumes, which were eminently suitable and appropriate.
One tiny nit picky niggle is the well concealed single line mention of NODA in the easily readable programme. And that is all I could find to fault. It was a colossus of a show and an even more gigantic performance by the cast and whole production crew.
Show director Jeff Chinappen's vision and stagecraft were abundantly evident throughout this professional standard production and in true British understatement style, I quite liked it! Oh forget British understatement, who needs it! It was an evening of sheer magic and I salute you all BANOS, each and everyone of you!
Jon Fox
NODA District 19
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist
Epsom Playhouse - 17th May 2018
This now legendary show is so often performed at amateur level as it is a theatre filler and the many children used ensures a plentiful supply of seats sold to relatives and school friends.
Director Lynda Barrett-Mercer opted to use a basic balustrade set with prominent steps down to stages left and right and adapted as necessary to make this fit all the many changes of scene. With clever use of lighting, courtesy of Amy Worrall, this decision proved a wise one and thus the show flowed relatively seamlessly without wholesale cumbersome set changes.
Lynda used many individual touches to give character and individuality to scenes. I especially liked the "God is Love" sign as the orphan children were treated so cruelly. This spoke volumes about the huge and obvious gap between the haves and the have nots in Victorian London. This theme was highlighted throughout this production giving added drama to Dickens' great work, courtesy of Lionel Bart's own genius.
This production was underpinned by several top rate, even professional standard, principal performances. Francis Radford was a totally mesmeric Fagin with incredible face, hair and teeth make up. The make up team of Kirsten Massingham with Stevi Magik, Gina Gravenell, Abi Moore, Molly Bialkowski, Lindsay Massingham and Ella Addison did an amazing job on the whole cast.
All the main principals gave top class perforamances, especially Teri-Ann Carter as a feisty yet vulnerable Nancy, Holly Artis as Bet was a graceful foil. Tom Paine as a truly frightening Bill Sikes, Colin Bousfield as a pompous, cowardly Mr Bumble, Monica Turnbul as a schemingWidow Corney, Paul Bullock as a put upon Mr Sowerberry and Sue Massingham as a magnificent "haridan" Mrs Sowerberry.
Among the child players, Sean Munro really stood out as the Artful Dodger. This mere 11 year old boy has a quite obvious feel for the stage and, Fagin apart, was the star of this production. I predict a big future for him.
Another excellent performance was given by 10 year old William Wilson who was the epitome of what Oliver should be. I was also very impressed with his performance and his "Where is Love" was beautifully sung. Oliver Whiter as Dodger and Alfie Turnbull as Oliver shared these wonderful roles in other performances. Charlie Stewart did well too as Charlie Bates, again sharing the role on other performances with Zack Harding.
An honourable mention too for young James Goodman as the cowardly Noah Claypole and Emma Bullock as the simpering Charlotte.
I was pleased with the general standard of discipline and acting of the workhouse children.
Steve Clemo was a kindly Mr Brownlow, Carole Daniels was his dutiful housekeeper Mrs Bedwin and John Daniels as the delightfully ridiculous Dr Grimwig, one of Dickens' best cameo roles!
All gave sterling support - Judy Southey as Old Sally "died" so dramatically, which I loved!.
The singing was impressive in the main, especially Nancy, who had a lovely voice and could really act and move; Bet too! Francis milked his " Reviewing the Situation" for all it was worth, embellishing the ghastly, but still likeable - in some ways - character of Fagin with an individualism that only the cream of the crop can give. A performance of this magnitude is rare on the amateur stage!
Highly experienced musical director Brian D Steel with his hugely talented violinist wife Barbara along with five other dextrous musicians playing another nine instruments (eleven in all) gave a professional quality to the show's music. Much of it was hauntingly played, none better than the violin in "Reviewing". BANOS also boast the advantage of a vocal coach in the person of Sarah Higginbotham, who had clearly used her talents to fine effect.
Lois Hatt with her team provided fine costumes and all looked appropriately dressed in their various characters. The huge difference between the lavishly dressed governors and the workhouse kids in their "rags" was starkly displayed.
Director Lynda Barrett-Mercer used many individual touches during the performance. Widow Corney's "toy" cat and her cockney accent and flirting with the only too willing Bumble were top notch. I liked Oliver forced to hold his "Boy for Sale" sign too, which starkly showed the dreadful Victorian cruelty.
Kelly Neilson and Paige-Leanne Fayers choreographed and their dance routines were lively, crisp and well rehearsed. Company singing in general was good, though the ensemble in "Boy for Sale" was a little uneven.
In common with many show Olivers, the scene when an outraged between Oliver , goaded beyond endurance by Noah finally turned upon him was a little unrealistic. I realise health and safety forbids much, but it looked rather sloppy and not for real. "Consider Yourself" was an excellent company scene led by the admirable Dodger (again!), the audience clapping in time with the music showed their obvious appreciation. The freeze during Oliver's "stealing" of Brownlow's hankie worked well. Another highlight hankie scene was in Fagin's den with Oliver being taught how to pick pockets. Pick a Pocket or Two and Be Back Soon were marvellously staged and thrilling to behold.
Oom-Pah-Pah together with the whole company support ran these very close.
One aspect I did not think well done was Sikes' demise. It was scarcely noticeable and a most important dramatic moment in the show did not work well. "Who will buy" worked well, once we had the full chorus onstage, though all the main streetsellers sang well and looked the part.
Lighting by Amy Worrall was most effective, creating intense atmosphere, many of the darker scenes being very real too. Sound by Colin Hannah and Louise Carter was assured.
In all, this was a high class production with pace, flow, real characters, strong chorus support and good change of mood and use of atmosphere. It is among the very best of the very many "Olivers" I have seen.
Jon Fox
NODA Area 19
Made in Dagenham
Made in Dagenham
Adrian Mann Theatre - 17th May 2017
This lively musical is based upon the real life strike at Ford Dagenham in 1968 and its raw, sometimes coarse language perfectly illustrated the down to earth attitudes and honesty of those who worked in the Ford plant.
The stage was reasonably sized with a narrow apron both left and right, but had virtually no wing space at all as I know from personal experience. The use that director Chris Malone made of the stage was wondrous to behold. A metal construction with high platforms left and right was cleverly used throughout for management meetings mostly and scenes were swiftly and smoothly changed. A simple, but effective opening set of the central character Rita's home featured her husband Eddie in bed (with the bed and Eddie actually vertical upon the stage left platform), while beneath on stage were Rita and their two kids eating breakfast and squabbling realistically at the kitchen table. Her ironing board was slightly stage right of the kitchen area. One felt really drawn into the stage, partly because of the wide but narrow layout of the auditorium. We had the women's sewing shop, men's car factory, a social club, a school, a Bernie Inn and even two Labour politicians' offices.
I am, regretfully, easily old enough to remember Barbara Castle, Employment Minister and her paper "In Place of Strife" together with the charismatic Prime Minister Harold Wilson, pipe and Gannex raincoat adorning him. Both their offices were simply furnished with an accurate old style telephone which many young people would now consider antique!
Helen Clark as Rita O'Grady was, frankly, superb in this role, the feisty, fair minded but vulnerable, self doubting leader of the women sewing machinists, who led the strike for equal pay with the men (something which the men eventually come round to supporting). She trod the delicate balance of loyalty to her fellow machinists and to her suffering husband with consummate artistry. This was raw and powerful theatre and consummate acting from the top drawer!
Steve Clemo as her faithful but torn husband Eddie O'Grady was a magnificent foil in every way and their loving, but difficult family relationship underpinned the whole story. Their young children on the night I attended were charmingly and realistically played by Samuel Millard-Burda as Graham and Lily Worby as Sharon. )The roles were shared on other performances with Zack Harding and Oenone Turner-Hearn.)
A host of fellow female factory workers gave sterling support to Rita early on in the insistent "This is what We Want", featuring Georgia Loosley as Sandra Beaumont; Denize Goulder-Perks as Beryl; Monica Turnbull as Cass; Teri-Ann Carter as Clare. Clare was given individual authenticity par excellence in "Wossname" together with all the women. Judy Southey was an excellent Connie Riley, a tough as teak Shop Steward. No wonder the ladies won the day with such as these in the vanguard. Others ladies also not to tangle with were the Cortina Girls, namely: Debbie Clemo, Roz Copeland, Alma Griffith, Sue Massingham and Helen Strong.
On the platform, heatedly discussing factory business, were Mr Hopkins Managing Director, played in forceful style by Ken Smith; Sid, a truculent Union Shop Steward well played by Tom Jobson and Monty, a NUVB Convenor played with style by Roger Gibbs.
There was an effective scene in Wilson's office, Graeme Long doing very well as the Prime Minister from Huddersfield, Harold Wilson. I especially enjoyed the businesslike, but distinctly warm and practised portrayal of the redoubtable Barbara Castle by Valerie Carr - her scene with Rita being very powerful and actually moving. A well loved, yet feisty Cabinet Minister splendidly captured by Valerie, indeed a show high spot. Someone had done their homework on this character! The tango by the two aides was humorous and went over well.
Beginning at the boss's dining table, Fiona Radford as the posh, but warm hearted and honourable boss's wife, Lisa Hopkins, showed the class both of the character and the actor. Truly a woman with real compassion for those less fortunate than herself.
Francis Richard Radford was the awful, sleazy Ford "big white chief" himself, Mr Tooley, initially in the USA, then appearing in Dagenham. A true baddie with no redeeming personal qualities, Francis played this unlovely character, as his programme CV heavily suggests, with more than a hint of the most divisive current American politician, albeit a deal younger. Answers as to whom in a tweet please! Frances elevates every show he appears in and this was no exception. Charismatic, splendid, different class!! Believe me, this was acting firmly against type, par excellence!
The abiding strength and message this show sends out is of the innate decency and determination under difficult circumstances of pretty much all the female characters, be they refined in language or not. In contrast, some (only) of the men were real no hopers, though most eventually either chose to or were forced to accept the important staging post in the inevitable advancement of women's employment basic rights. The sensitive director Chris Malone clearly devised this show with this at the forefront and it was raw and powerful theatre in consequence. A true landmark in the long battle for female equal rights.
The Ford Social Club was well represented, a sexist comic Chubby Chuff given a coarse vitality by Sebastian Roughley and introduced by the typical MC type of that era in fine style by Colin Bousfield. Colin also did well as Personnel Director Gregory Humble, caught in the crossfire of the dispute and played Mr Buckton a strict schoolteacher (kids were still caned in the late sixties). Sebastian also played Cortina Man convincingly and Mr Tooley's rough security man Adams. Roy Comber was Ron Macer, the forceful production manager.
Other realistic roles were well portrayed by Michael Wallbridge as Bill (another Union Shop Steward) and Charlie Lambourne as an Apprentice Toolmaker. Michael and Sebastian were also two civil servants used to good effect in the Parliament offices scene. One really felt as if we were actually in the factory, so realistic were these men and also all of the many chirpy and indefatigable sewing machine girls, without exception.
Musical Director Dawn Tolley used her five piece band to good effect, though the band were too loud in the factory workers' in "Made in Dagenham" and I lost some singing lines.
I liked the Eastbourne scene a lot; it was lively and well worked. The tense build up to Rita's speech at the TUC and her final triumph was excellent and most realistic. The company gave marvellous support.
Choreographer Emma Rowland set some excellent routines which were slick and a high standard for an amateur show. BANOS would be well advised to hang on to this talented young lady.
Amy Worrall on lighting did a fine job with some good effects. Sound was also well handled by Colin Hannah and Louise Carter. Costumes which were well fitted and in the main just right for the period were a team effort by Sue Aldridge, Helen Strong, Giuseppina Tobin and Luisa Puig. Kirsten Massingham and Aimee Harris dealt with make up effectively and Luisa Puig had the all important but oft overlooked responsibility for props. A well earned mention therefore for Luisa. Roy Comber must also get huge credit for the set design and build. The way the set was used so imaginatively by the inspirational director Chris Malone was outstanding as was his whole direction of this gritty, real and thundering good show.
Finally, a special mention for the way above average programme with interesting and informative background and a welcome piece on NODA. Well done everybody.
Jon Fox
NODA District 19
Following on from this great review we also won the NODA Award for the Best New Musical in Area 19 for our production of Made in Dagenham.
