Review of ‘Musical Magic: The Richard Rodgers Story’
Richard Rodgers was one of the greatest composers Broadway has ever produced, and last week Elmbridge Youth Theatre celebrated his extraordinary career in style with their production of ‘Musical Magic: The Richard Rodgers Story’ at the Walton Playhouse.
Along with lyricists Lorenz Hart and, most famously, Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers created some of the world’s most successful musicals, including: ‘Oklahoma,’ ‘Pal Joey,’ ‘South Pacific,’ ‘The King & I’ and ‘The Sound of Music.’ Part of Rodger’s genius lay in his timeless ability to transcend musical genres, and EYT’s tribute to him was a magnificent showcase for the sheer variety of his output.
Against a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, 24 young performers skilfully introduced and sang their way through a selection from the Richard Rodgers songbook. The format of the show was such that it gave the whole cast the chance to shine, and everyone on stage rose to the challenge admirably. Whether singing in groups or as individuals the performers applied their talents to the songs with tremendous energy, making for a terrific evening’s entertainment.
Amongst many highlights were the rousing title tune from ‘Oklahoma’ that opened and closed the show, the girl’s beautiful rendition of ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ from ‘Pal Joey,’ and Camilla Jeppeson’s moving version of the classic song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from ‘Carousel.’
In Act One Henry Ambrose lent his magnificent voice to a joyful interpretation of ‘Oh, What A Beautiful Morning’ from ‘Oklahoma,’ and in Act Two EYT veterans Kristy Bottrall and Neil Dicker took to the stage for a reprisal of their performances from ‘The King & I’ with an excellent performance of ‘Shall We Dance.’ There was also a wonderful taster from EYT’s next production ‘The Sound of Music’ when the hugely talented Jenny Powell led the whole company in the evergreen ‘Do Re Mi.’
However it wasn’t just the singing that made this production such a success, it was also the obvious care taken over the presentation of the material, and special mention for this must go to Assistant Directors Kate Roberts and Matthew Elverson, Production and Choreography Assistant Sarah Hoseason, and Technical Director Tim Kerr. Tackling musical numbers out of context can sometimes prove difficult, but this team’s huge contributions behind the scenes really helped to bring these fantastic numbers together.
But if the evening was a tribute to the wonderful music of Richard Rodgers it was also a tribute to the talents of Carole Andrew. Not only did Carole conceive, produce and direct the show, she also costumed the whole cast and choreographed all the numbers; and watching the splendid finished performance it was very clear that her hard work had paid off. This hugely enjoyable celebration of a musical genius marked another triumph for Carole Andrew and all at Elmbridge Youth Theatre.
Review of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ - 25th to 29th January 2011
Last week Elmbridge Youth Theatre brought a magical tale to the stage of the Walton Playhouse, with their hugely entertaining production of the Disney musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Based on the classic fairy tale the original film was released in 1991 to widespread critical acclaim, becoming the first animated feature ever nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. A Broadway adaptation soon followed which became a smash hit around the world.
Telling the story of the beautiful Belle (played by Kristy Bottrall) the show follows her relationship with the mysterious Beast (Neil Dicker). The Beast was once a handsome Prince but after an enchantress cast a spell over him he became transformed into a monster. Now he must discover the secret of true love if he ever hopes to become human again.
When Belle’s father (Will Howells) trespasses onto the Beast’s property he is taken prisoner, and the Beast only agrees to free him if Belle takes his place in the Enchanted castle. So begins an unlikely love story, but as romance develops between Belle and the Beast, Belle’s former suitor the evil Gaston (Mike Serrato) is waiting in the wings to wreck their happiness.
As ever EYT assembled a magnificent cast in order to bring one of Disney’s most beloved stories to life. Leading lady Kristy Bottrall made for a convincing Belle with fantastic singing and deft characterisation. Neil Dicker was a suitably brooding monster, and made the transformation from roaring beast into faithful suitor a convincing and moving journey, with even a touch of well handled humour along the way.
Even an enchanted castle needs staff, and the Beast was very well served by his team of helpers: Anthony Gilsenan-Cook ‘shone’ as the candelabra Lumiere, and his performance of the famous song ‘Be My Guest’ was a particular highlight of the show. Steve Byrne was absolutely brilliant as the stuffy clock Cogsworth, Jenny Hill was a heartwarming Mrs Potts, and Jack Maton gave an adorable performance as her son the teacup Chip.
The villainous Gaston was played with relish by Mike Serrato in a pitch perfect performance. Gaston is an unusual villain, as a spurned lover - more brawn than brains - he isn’t the usual moustache twirling Disney baddie, and Mike’s performance struck just the right tone between comedy and menace to make Gaston one of the evening’s most memorable characters.
Honourable mentions should also go to the splendid performances of James Stearn as Gaston’s hapless sidekick Lefou, and Will Howells as Belle’s father Maurice. Both displayed excellent comic timing in their roles and along with a terrific ensemble did a great job of staying faithful to the Disney original.
As ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is famous for its stunning imagery, beautifully drawn sets and colourful costumes, recreating it on stage would be a challenge for any theatre company, but EYT managed it with aplomb. The sets were lavish, the special effects impressive and the costumes (provided by Carole Andrew) were wonderful.
For such a big scale show music is also vital, and Musical Director Ken Poole assembled a top notch professional orchestra, who along with Carole Andrew’s choreography added a real sense of magic to the performance.
All in all, the evening was a triumph for EYT and, just as importantly, another marvellous tribute to the extraordinary talents of director Richard Davis.
This week Elmbridge Youth Theatre brought the musical ‘Billy’ to the stage of the Walton Playhouse and reminded audiences why it was such a smash hit when it was originally produced in 1974.
Although it’s not revived very often these days, the first production of ‘Billy’ helped to launch the careers of Michael Crawford and Elaine Paige. Based on the late Keith Waterhouse’s classic novel ‘Billy Liar,’ the musical boasts a script by ‘Porridge’ writers Dick Le Clement and Ian La Frenais and music from James Bond composer John Barry.
Telling the story of northern dreamer Billy Fisher, an undertaker’s assistant with his head permanently in the clouds, ‘Billy’ is a wonderful mix of kitchen sink drama and technicolour fantasy. With humour and pathos it charts a working class lad’s struggle to escape from his dead-end job and fulfil his dreams.
In the title role Anthony Gilsenan-Cook gave an engaging and extremely likeable performance. As the story takes place entirely from Billy’s point of view - switching between his mundane home life and fantasies of himself as ruler of the make believe principality ‘Ambrosia’ – Anthony needed to hold the show together and keep the audience’s sympathy throughout. This he achieved with great accomplishment.
The main source of Billy’s frustration at his lot in life, his nagging parents and dozy grandmother, could easily have been played as stereotypes, but Neil Dicker, Jenny Hill and Camilla Jeppeson made for a believable and convincing trio. They handled the comedy with aplomb and showed why, despite their constant belittling of him, Billy still felt such affection for his family.
Complicating matters further were Billy’s trio of love interests: Barbara ‘The Witch’ (Heidi Jagger) a snooty young lady with a strange passion for oranges; Rita (Jenny Powell) with a mouth as big as her skirts were short, and Billy’s one true love, the free thinking Liz (Kristy Bottrall). Reluctantly engaged to the first two, Billy found himself yearning to escape to London with the third, Liz, where he could pursue his ambition to write TV scripts. But the entanglements of keeping two fiancés secret from each other meant that Billy’s fantasies were bound to collide with his reality sooner or later.
Although supporting parts, these three female roles are crucial to the show’s success and in both characterisation and vocal ability all three actresses gave excellent performances, with their rendition of ‘Billy’ a particular musical highlight.
As well as great performances, a colourful musical like ‘Billy’ needs imagination and flair, and Carole Andrew’s inventive choreography brought the musical numbers to life, ranging from Lowry-esque figures in ‘Happy To Be Ourselves’ to Elvis Presley hip-swinging in the rock and roll number ‘The Lady from L.A.’ and once again the cast were fortunate enough to be supported by Musical Director Ken Poole’s superb orchestra.
With the sure-fire talents of Director Richard Davis at the helm, the rest of the talented company kept up the high standard of performance throughout, and EYT are to be congratulated on such a hugely enjoyable revival of an under-rated show.
Chris Jennings
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'Carousel' Review - Wednesday 27th January 2010
This week Elmbridge Youth Theatre are presenting their 37th production, the classic musical 'Carousel' at the Playhouse in Walton.
Written by the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein, 'Carousel' is one of the best loved shows from the team responsible for, amongst others, 'The Sound of Music,' 'Oklahoma' and 'The King & I.'
Telling the story of Billy Bigelow, a fairground Carousel barker, and his relationship with wife-to-be Julie Jordan, 'Carousel' was a trail blazing show when it was originally staged in 1945. Alongside memorable songs such as 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over,' 'If I Loved You' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone' (latterly the iconic anthem of Liverpool F.C.) the story broke new ground in musical theatre, dealing as it does with domestic violence, attempted robbery, loss and the difficult path to redemption.
Staging a musical that mixes moments of light comedy with scenes of great profundity is always going to be a challenge for any company, but Elmbridge Youth Theatre managed to bring this masterpiece to the stage with superb care and sensitivity.
Musical Director Ken Poole led a faultless orchestra in playing Richard Rodgers' magnificent score, accompanying some truly fine singing. In fact the standards in vocal performance were exceedingly high throughout the cast, which was a terrific accomplishment and a very fitting tribute to such a powerful musical.
As Billy Bigelow, Mike Serrato had a commanding stage presence, particularly during his musical numbers. Although a morally complex figure in the story, the lead character of Bigelow has to win the audience's sympathies for the show to work. Mike's skilful characterisation and his fantastic Act One soliloquy ('My Boy Bill') brilliantly captured Bigelow's dilemmas and involved the audience in his plight.
Jenny Powell as Julie Jordan and EYT newcomer Camilla Jeppeson as Nettie Fowler between them delivered some of the show's stand out musical moments, and their dual performance of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was especially moving. Jenny was perfectly cast as the naïve Julie who still believed in the man she loved, and it is to her very great credit that there was audible crying in the auditorium during her emotional scenes in the second act.
Similarly Camilla Jeppeson was well cast as the warm hearted Nettie. Leading the show's classic ensemble number 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over' Camilla brought a powerful singing voice and an infectious joyousness to the role that served her well as the show's moral lynchpin.
In supporting roles special mention should go to Neil Dicker and Kristy Bottrall as the aptly matched Mr and Mrs Enoch Snow. As well as providing much needed comic relief from some of the show's darker scenes, they gave an extremely engaging portrayal of a strangely touching relationship that worked as an excellent contrast to the less settled marriage of the Bigelows.
As the villain and 'corrupter' of the piece, knife wielding sailor Jigger Craigin, Anthony Gilsenan-Cook hit just the right tone between menace and charm, switching beautifully from outright crook to likeable chancer. Jigger could easily have been played as a stock baddie, but Anthony's performance made him into a believable human being.
Complimenting the hard work of the cast was a hugely impressive set. From a working fairground carousel to a starlit island beach and the clouds of heaven, the design of the show ensured that for every scene the spectacle matched the high standards of the performance.
As usual Carole Andrew's choreography and costuming was top notch, handling the demands of a large cast with imagination and flair. Director Richard Davis should also be very proud of bringing this wonderful performance and this talented cast to the stage.
The only disappointment of the show for this reviewer was that there were quite a few empty seats at the performance, and it seemed a shame that such a great show was not seen by a lot more people. However on the strength of this production future audiences should be confident that, whatever this company's next challenge is, they will more than rise to it.
Last week at the Walton Playhouse Elmbridge Youth Theatre revved up the engine and took audiences on a summer trip to remember.
Based on a 1976 television play by acclaimed playwright Willy Russell - the man responsible for 'Educating Rita,' 'Shirley Valentine' and 'Blood Brothers' - 'Our Day Out' tells the riotous story of a group of schoolchildren packed on a coach for an eventful day trip to a Sussex castle, by way of several unscheduled stops: at a zoo, on a beach and finally at a fun fair.
Organising the trip is the sympathetic Mrs Kay, beautifully played by Jenny Hill. Jenny handled the role with confidence and humour, and made for a very likeable trip leader. But what marks Mrs Kay out as a good teacher is that she genuinely likes her pupils and wants them to enjoy their day out; which is not the case for the combustible Mr Briggs, played with suitable aggression by Neil Dicker.
Sent on the coach to spy by the headmistress, he is deeply suspicious of Mrs Kay's namby pamby teaching methods and determined to bring a bit of order to this unruly rabble. He's got his work cut out. With spitballs flying through the air, pupils flicking V signs behind his back and cries of 'please sir I need the toilet' every hundred yards, this would be enough to test the patience of a saint - let alone a man of Briggs' temperament.
Reilly and Digga (Alex Grainger and Harry Boulton) are sneaking fags on the back seat, two girls (Jess Debicki and Katie Jones) are forever complaining they're bored and Linda and Jackie (the excellent Jenny Powell and Jo Dicker) are desperately trying to catch the attention of their teacher ('I'm In Love With Sir'). It's a terrifically authentic ensemble of rowdy school-kids, and special mention should go to Lee Cooper as the excitable boy with his hand permanently raised in the air: a pitch perfect performance.
Although 'Our Day Out' is a hugely entertaining comedy about the chaos of school trips, full of recognisable situations and larger than life characters, Russell skilfully reminds us that for some of these children this trip is an escape from an unhappy home life and the prospect of a bleak future. Therefore it was fitting that perhaps the most moving performance of the evening came from Alice De-Warrenne Waller as Carol. For Carol this trip is a rare chance to enjoy herself, and as the day draws to a close she mourns its end in the poignant song 'Why Can't It Always Be This Way?'
Skilfully directed by Richard Davis and Carole Andrew, Elmbridge Youth Theatre once again showed that the fantastic energy of their casts can do justice, not just to full scale musicals, but to comic gems like this one. It was a great day out.
Last week Elmbridge Youth Theatre took a trip down the Yellow Brick Road in their spectacular production of the world famous 'The Wizard of Oz,' at the Walton Playhouse. The tale of a Kansas farm girl stranded in a magical world was immortalised in the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, and has been a firm favourite with audiences ever since.
In this production Dorothy Gale was played by EYT veteran Kristy Bottrall, whose performance of the classic number 'Over The Rainbow' was a musical highlight. Accompanied by her faithful dog Toto (beautifully played by Yorkshire Terrier Louis!), Dorothy finds herself swept to the strange Land of Oz after a tornado uproots the farm where she lives.
Awakening, she finds herself surrounded by the colourful Munchkins, and with the help of Glinda The Good Witch (an assured performance by Heidi Jagger) Dorothy dons the iconic ruby slippers and sets off to see the Wizard in the hope that he can send her home.
The first of the friends that Dorothy encounters on her journey is the Scarecrow, brilliantly played here by Anthony Gilsenan-Cook. In an acrobatic performance, Anthony brought the straw man to life with great humour and compassion. His performance of 'If I Only Had a Brain' surrounded by a group of squawking, jeering crows was a firm favourite with the audience.
Next on the journey is the Tin Man, played by Mike Serrato. Trapped in a metallic body and mourning his lost love - a Munchkin maiden - Mike made for a very sympathetic Tin Man. With a touching performance of 'If I Only Had A Heart,' this was an excellent vocal and physical characterisation.
The next and final recruitment to Dorothy's band of friends is the Cowardly Lion, played by Neil Dicker. Living on his nerves in the forest, frightened every time a twig snaps, Neil's Lion was a marvellous comic creation - part boastful hubris and part quivering jelly, but able to summon up the courage to take action when it really mattered.
But for every brave, sturdy hearted and quick thinking hero you need a dastardly villain to keep the story on its toes. In 'The Wizard of Oz', this role falls to The Wicked Witch of the West, played with delicious malevolence by Tessa Mai Harrison. Entering with a bang, Tessa cackled to perfection and - green face aglow with scheming - made for a particularly memorable villainess.
EYT are known for the high standards of their production and the energy of their casts, and this show was no exception. Ken Poole once again led a first rate orchestra, Carole Andrew provided lively choreography and some absolutely stunning costumes and Richard Davis' wonderful direction of this large company brought a classic favourite back to life.
Another success for EYT, and a trip down the Yellow Brick Road that was well worth taking.
CJ 28/01/09
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“The Dracula Spectacula” - 3rd to 5th July 2008
Elmbridge Youth Theatre brought a touch of Hammer Horror to the Walton Playhouse last week when they staged their latest production 'The Dracula Spectacula'.
Mist swirled over the audience and ghouls mingled in the aisles as the curtains opened to the howls of the undead. But this was no traditional retread of the vampire myth, this was a Dracula who knows how to party.
Written by John Gardiner and Andrew Parr, 'The Dracula Spectacula' tells the story of the aptly named Miss Nadia Naïve (Jenny Powell) an American schoolteacher who cheerfully conducts her class on a field trip to darkest Transylvania. Hoping to introduce her pupils to the charms of Old Europe, Nadia is dismayed upon her arrival to discover the locals in a state of terror. There have been funny goings on in the graveyard and something (or someone) is nibbling people's necks. The townspeople are sensibly stocking up on garlic and their only hope is that the dashing Dr Nick Necrophiliac (Anthony Gilsenan-Cook) can save them.
In the 111 years since Bram Stoker first created him, Dracula has risen from the grave many times and in many different guises, but in the show's central role Jake Wallis managed to resurrect him in a completely new incarnation. In a superb comic performance he moved effortlessly from the characteristically debonair Count disarming victims with his charm into a hip swinging Rock'n'Roll singer with a taste for blood.
Kristy Bottrall proved equally sinister as The Countess Wraith, Dracula's mother. Introduced in a billow of green smoke and gliding elegantly across the stage, she was every bit the vampiric seductress, deadly in her schemes and devoted to her son's mad genius.
As the vulnerable Miss Naïve Jenny Powell's comic timing was impeccable and matched by her superb singing voice. Playing opposite her as Dr Necrophiliac- determined to save his beloved from the evil clutches of Dracula - Anthony Gilsenan-Cook gave another very enjoyable performance, managing to capture perfectly his character's mix of old fashioned heroism and plain big-headedness.
This was an inventive production in every department, from the excellent costumes and choreography created by Carole Andrew to the splendid accompaniment of the orchestra led by Neil Shrimpton. Under the skilled direction of Richard Davis, EYT demonstrated once again that they are certainly not short of talented young performers who can breathe new life into an old legend.
Elmbridge Youth Theatre took to the seas last week with a high spirited performance of the classic musical 'Anything Goes' at the Walton Playhouse.
Featuring some of Cole Porter's best known songs, including 'I Get A Kick Out Of You', 'It's De-Lovely' and of course the title number, this fast paced musical tells the story of Billy Crocker who stows away on an Atlantic crossing in the hope of winning the hand of his beloved, Hope Harcourt.
Also on board is irrepressible night-club singer Reno Sweeney, 'Moonface' Martin - a gangster on the run - and Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, a rich Englishman betrothed to Hope.
This being the breezy world of PG Wodehouse (he worked on the original script) love doesn't run smoothly, so over the course of the show identities are mistaken, matches are made and plots are hatched before everyone gets the happy ending they deserve.
As the romantic leads Anthony Gilsenan-Cook displayed an admirable light touch in his portrayal of Billy, while Jenny Powell once again demonstrated her excellent singing voice in the role of Hope. Kristy Bottrall shone as Reno, leading the company in the show's two rousing numbers: 'Anything Goes' and 'Blow Gabriel, Blow'. There was also excellent comedic support from Neil Dicker as Moonface Martin and an impressively judged performance from Alex Neumann as Lord Oakleigh.
As audiences have come to expect from EYT, production values were high - with a fabulous ocean liner set, suitably nautical costumes, a superb orchestra led by Ken Poole and sparkling choreography by Carole Andrew.
Director Richard Davis has once again assembled an enthusiastic and talented young company, and with this production of an old favourite he gave Elmbridge Youth Theatre a great start to the new year.
Chris Jennings
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“A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream” - 5th to 7th July 2007
When William Shakespeare first wrote 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' it's a pretty fair bet that he didn't envisage it as a celebration of rock n' roll music. But last week Elmbridge Youth Theatre proved that Shakespeare had missed a trick with their production of 'A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Walton Playhouse.
Mixing early rock n' roll hits and Shakespeare's timeless play was a bold undertaking, but EYT pulled it off with panache and style. This tale of mismatched lovers and feuding wood-sprites lent itself seamlessly to the carefree 1950's era. Polka dot skirts and leather jackets mixed with fairy wings and royal crowns as the scenes shifted from Theseus' neon lit Dance Hall to the magical forests outside Athens.
With a hugely talented young cast, this was a spirited interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most revered works. The great enthusiasm displayed in the song and dance numbers translated brilliantly into the verbatim scenes from Shakespeare, and the entire production fizzed with flair and energy.
In a play which relied so much on strong ensemble playing, it's tricky to single individuals out for praise, but David Cooper and Mike Serrato were a formidable double act as Lysander and Demetrius who - under the fairies magic spell - fought for the affections of Helena, intelligently played by Laura Skerritt.
Anthony Gilsenan-Cook and Tori Hill were splendid too as Oberon and Titania, the King and Queen of the Fairies whose good natured feud set the action of the play in motion.
But special mention must go to the wonderful band of players led by Bottom (Neil Dicker) and their performance in front of Theseus which was one of the highlights of the play. This was a mini- masterpiece of timing, ensemble playing and pure, giddy comedy. Along with Neil, Jenny Hill, Oliver Glazier, Alex Grainger, Heidi Jagger and Spencer Lopez fashioned a play within a play that was simply hilarious. With inventive wit and great team work they did justice to one of Shakespeare's most satisfying pieces of comic writing.
One of the most admirable things about EYT is that they are never afraid to take risks, and under David Rowan's superb direction, with Carole Andrew's choreography and absolutely perfect costumes and a dazzling set and lighting design, this was one risk that certainly paid off. With 'A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream', Producer Richard Davis gave us the perfect summer play.
Chris Jennings
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“The King and I” - 23rd to 27th January 2007
Lavish sets, spectacular costumes and a talented young cast helped bring the magic of the Far East to Walton last week, in a new production of 'The King and I'. Elmbridge Youth Theatre presented the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical at the Walton Playhouse to packed audiences, and skilfully recreated the splendour of nineteenth century Siam.
Based on a true story and set in the Royal Palace, the show tells the story of a culture clash between feisty governess Anna Leonowens (Kristy Bottrall) and the imperious King (Neil Dicker) whose children she has been employed to educate. Although at first the two are at odds with each other, as the story progresses they come to appreciate their differences, and their feelings evolve into mutual, if grudging, respect.
Playing Anna, Kristy Bottrall gave another strong performance. Her skilful characterisation and her powerful singing voice made the school-teacher a believable force to contend with in her dealings with the King. Her song 'Shall I Tell You What I Think of You'- practically a monologue- was a particularly memorable number and she handled it superbly. As the King Neil Dicker gave a suitably majestic performance, dominating the action both on-stage and off - his position as monarch unquestioned - but he never lost the character's charm, and dealt brilliantly with the humour in the role.
Victoria Hill played Lady Thiang, the King's favourite wife with maturity and admirable vocal talent- perplexed by the strange Western ideas Anna has introduced to her beloved homeland. Poignant performances from Melanie Barker as Tuptim and Daniel Nicholson-Hair as her lover Lun Tha, also added to the considerable power of the story, demonstrating that the King's tolerance for new ideas did not stretch to those who- by following their hearts- chose to disobey him.
'The King and I' is one of the most popular musicals of all time, and director Richard Davis certainly did not let it down. Assembling an enthusiastic cast, he produced an energetic and dazzling show. The sets were fantastic, the costumes magnificent and the whole production, especially the ballet 'Small House of Uncle Thomas,' was a showcase for some brilliant choreography by Carole Andrew. With Ken Poole as musical director, overseeing some wonderful renditions of perennial favourites 'Hello Young Lovers,' 'Getting To Know You' and 'Shall We Dance?', this was an evening to savour.
Chris Jennings
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“Wild, Wild Women!” - 6th to 8th July 2006
Last week Elmbridge Youth Theatre brought a bawdy touch of the Old West to Walton Playhouse with their energetic production of 'Wild, Wild Women.'
And while the musical itself may be a rollicking tobacco-chewing western, the source material has a more classical feel, deriving from the Greek play 'Lysistrata' with a touch of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' thrown in for good measure.
Aggroville is a rough and tumble town deep in the heart of cowboy territory. At the centre of Aggroville is Peaceable Haven, a tavern which operates as neutral territory for the feuding Clanton and McClaird clans. When a travelling nun attempts to bring peace to the community by strumming joyful tunes on the guitar, her death from a ricocheting bullet stirs the townswomen into taking drastic action to ensure the violence comes to an end. Saloon owner Alice Tibbs (Kristy Bottrall) is determined to put an end to these nightly shoot outs, and to do this she enlists the help of Agroville's women and persuades them to abstain from marital relations until the men agree to give up their guns!
As the chief 'Wild Woman' Kristy gave a splendid performance and proved a dab hand at comic timing. Will Howells matched her perfectly with his portrayal of her world weary husband Bill, suitably bewildered at his wife's machinations.
In her role as Sister Priscilla Jenny Powell excelled. In her last performance for EYT Jenny played Cosette in 'Les Miserables' and the contrast here, as an ill fated nun in oversized glasses, couldn't have been greater. Jenny's characterisation was spot on and she handled the comedy flawlessly. Equally memorable was Neil Dicker as Hangin' Judge West, a grizzled lawman who stalked the stage like a cross between Groucho Marx and Burl Ives, and deservedly got some of the biggest laughs in the show.
Danny Owen and Lucy Gilham were beautifully partnered as the wide eyed lovers Jane and Robert whose secret threatens to tear the town apart, while Helen Blount and Mike Serrato delighted the audience as Myrtle and Clint, a couple who can't keep their hands off each other. Special mention should also go to Tori Hill as Madam Lola, proprietor of the Red Candle Saloon. In a bravura performance Tori lit up the stage every time she was on, as she and her 'Soiled Doves' serenaded the town's love hungry men.
Brilliant and inventive direction from David Rowan meant the show's pace didn't flag for a second. One of the highlights of the evening was the 'Ballad of Romeo and Juliet' brought to life with puppetry. Through inspired direction, this was a mini comic masterpiece. Once again Carole Andrew's expert choreography kept the show on its toes with some terrifically executed numbers, and the orchestra led by Musical Director Ken Poole, didn't put a note wrong.
Although this was Elmbridge Youth Theatre's twenty-seventh production, they show no sign of slowing down. This was a hugely enjoyable evening and a fitting way to secure their reputation as one of the most entertaining theatre groups in the area.
Chris Jennings
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“Les Misérables - School Edition” - 24th to 28th January 2006
Acclaimed as the world's most popular musical, the epic 'Les Misérables' is an intimidating prospect to any theatre group; but last week's production of the gallic magnum opus at The Playhouse in Walton showed that Elmbridge Youth Theatre are certainly up to the challenge.
Based on Victor Hugo's novel, the story follows Jean Valjean, a victim of the harsh penal system of the 19th Century. Jailed for nearly twenty years for stealing a loaf of bread, on his release Valjean finds redemption when he is saved from arrest by a local priest. Vowing to devote his life to helping his fellow man, Valjean rises to become a prosperous factory owner and local Mayor. But this success is marred by the intervention of Chief Inspector Javert, who has been doggedly pursuing the ex-convict ever since he broke his parole.
With his true identity revealed, Valjean escapes the Inspector in order to fulfil the dying wishes of one of his factory workers and save her daughter from the hands of her unscrupulous guardians, the Thénardiers. Valjean rescues the girl Cosette, and together they flee to Paris, a city teeming with poverty, where the anguish of those living on the streets is about to ignite into revolution.
'Les Misérables' is an immense, grand piece of theatre- virtually operatic in scale- and to succeed on stage it must have a very strong cast. Fortunately, in the case of Elmbridge Youth Theatre, it had one.
Neil Dicker played the central character of Jean Valjean with authority and presence. Perhaps the most demanding role in the show, Neil intelligently portrayed the grizzled convict's transformation and his resulting moral fortitude, which is at the heart of the story. As his nemesis Javert, a steel-cold Danny Owens captured the Inspector's ruthless conviction as he pursued Valjean across the years. His final scene as Javert weighs up his own questionable certainties, facing the abyss of the Seine below him, was particularly effective.
A show with this subject matter almost cries out for some comic relief, and with the repellent Thénardiers, Victor Hugo helpfully provided the perfect comedy foils. Alex Newman and Tori Hill played the roguish pair with relish, moving through a bankrupt society, living on their wits and whatever they could steal from the pockets of the newly dead.
As Marius and Cosette, caught up in the turmoil of political unrest, Jenny Powell and Jacob Copeland were absolutely convincing as the two lovers. Both of them had excellent voices, and their duets were among the highlights of the evening.
Another of the many fine voices in this production belonged to Kristy Bottrall, who played Eponine, with a very moving performance of the wistful ballad 'On My Own.' As Enjolras, the zealous student activist who rallies his friends to arms, Will Howells gave a truly dynamic performance, leading the company in one of the show-stopping numbers 'Do You Hear The People Sing?' With other stand out performances from Karlene Bourne as the ill-fated Fantine and Harry Boulton as the spirited street urchin Gavroche, this was a really tremendous ensemble.
'Les Misérables' is an ambitious musical in every respect, and in each department of this production EYT came up trumps: from the inventive lighting design through to the perfectly judged costumes. This was a triumph for Director Richard Davis and Choreographer Carole Andrew. Once again their very effective partnership produced a superb evening at the theatre.
Special credit must also go to Ken Poole, the Musical Director, not only for his sterling work in leading the band, but also for maintaining such a high vocal standard from the cast in a musical that is entirely sung through.
With each new performance Elmbridge Youth Theatre continue to raise the bar on what they achieve, but having tackled such a colossal show with such verve and energy it's difficult to see how they could beat this production.
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