A Chorus of Disapproval

Its always a pleasure being invited to report on Winchester Operatic and Musical Society shows, but this was the first play I have been too, all the others I have reported on were musicals and Operettas. I was not disappointed.

A simple and yet effective set brought to life with the movement of various props and flys made this a very slick production. The music, provided by Peter Theobald and his band was clear and very audible, despite being "hidden" behind a cloth in front of them - we knew they were there, but it was great to acknowledge them at the curtain calls. Slick choreography, fantastic singing and great character acting with clear and unrushed diction made following the play easy. Notable performances from Adrian Hickford as the society's Welsh and neurotic leader (its Daffyd...), Annie Tatnel as his beleaguered and meek wife Hannah, Cressida Bullough as the loud mouth, stroppy but totally believable society secretary and Kate Hickson, as the siren who wanted her hands on the men (along with her husband, Rob Preston) all played their roles superbly, and the rest of the cast of characters all did their part to follow the lead performances.

In an age where plays are sometimes modernized for modernizing sake, Suzanne Hall did a great job of sticking to Alan Ayckbourn's original script and extracting every ounce of humour there. Well done to everyone, this was an absolute pleasure to come and see, first rate, you never let me or your audience down.

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