Billericay Operatic Society

Reviewed by: Tessa Davies on Saturday 8 October 2011
Venue: Brentwood Theatre , Brentwood
Type of Production: Gilbert & Sullivan
Producer/Director: Wayne Carpenter
Musical Director: Derrick Thompson
Choreographer: Wayne Carpenter assisted by Jane Granby

Show Report

This seems to be a bit of a year for Pirates as this was the third production I have seen. However when I read, in the programme, that Director Wayne Carpenter had brought it up to present day I know I was in for something a bit different.
That was exactly what we got. Although totally adhering to the original music, the production was full of modern references which made a refreshing change. Some of the changes were quite quirky and highlighted some ‘out of the box’ thinking. All of which made this production very enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the mobile phone moment.
The theatre is always a challenge and the production made the best of the facilities. I liked the way the Director had given thought to getting props off stage before the big chorus numbers. The set was minimal but this is fine for G & S as it is the music and words that make the impact.
The whole cast gave very articulate performances, something that can be difficult with G & S and John Larkin’s performance of A Modern Major General was a joy. Congratulations to everyone, we could hear ALL the words in ALL the songs.
I would also commend Gail Carpenter’s performance as Ruth and Fiona Whittaker’s performance as Mabel. Fiona’s voice is absolutely stunning; I have rarely heard such excellent vocal interpretation.
It was nice to see so many young people in the company, especially as quite a few of them had featured parts. This bodes well for the society’s future productions, bringing young people into a society (and keeping them) is a major achievement and Billericay are to be complimented.
MD Derrick Thompson is to be congratulated for bringing the choral work together and to the band for excellent support.
Not a lot to say about the costumes as they were modern and easy to provide, although the tee shirts theme was a nice touch which brought the appearance of the production together.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening for everyone and the comments, from the audience, as we left were all complimentary.