A Musical Spectacular

This Society has recently changed its name to reflect the changing times we are in and the direction this Company is heading going forward. To this end this Musical Spectacular has been compiled, celebrating the previous 103 years of Langholm Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (LAODS) in style.

 It is always uplifting to see a cast lighting up the stage. The enthusiastic cast did just that and sang, danced and showcased popular songs from musicals old and new led by a dedicated production team of Judith Johnson (Director), their new MD Graham Brownlee, and choreographed expertly by Lorelei Beckett and Georgie Swale. A number of new faces appeared on stage and is it great that there are a few new men in the company.

The format of the production was each section was introduced by cast members with their memories of times gone bye followed by a selection of music. The first was Billy Young who gave a humorous potted history of LAODS, followed by A Monologue from Jenny Pike and later by another narration from Alison, Nicole and Margaret.

Musically, the show started with that great opening number “Another Opening, Another Show” sung by the full company. They sung with gusto and there were some excellent harmonies, which boded well for the remainder of the night. This was followed by a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber music from Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Tell me on a Sunday and Jesus Christ Superstar. The performers in this section, Stuart Bruce-Gormley, Ellis Hodgins, Jackie Beckitt, Francis Laidlaw, Nicole Wetherstone and Sam Berg all demonstrated how talented they are.

The younger members of the company (Ceara, Abbie, Ella, Grace and Rebecca) were in fine voice with a selection of songs from Matilda.

The next section was a complete contrast which comprised three numbers from South Pacific and included Jamie Fletcher and Billy Young along with Stuart Bruce-Gormley and Ellis Hodgins.  And we were finally advised by Thomas Chandley that “You’ll be Back” from Hamilton which closed the first act.

Act Two followed the same format as the first with Narrations from Nicole Weatherstone and Jackie Beckett and a Monologue from Jenny Pike. These were interspersed with the musical renditions from more up to date shows and the full company opened with Mama Mia, which had the audience clapping along and a few joining in. "Slipping Through my Fingers" and “Does Your Mother Know” were sung and danced by Fiona Evans, Alastair, Cathie, Lou, Maz, Pauline and Vi.

Georgie Swale and Rebecca Plant entertained us with “For Good” from Wicked and they were followed by a selection of music from Shrek by Abbie Laidlaw, George Kirk and Hannah Johnson. To close this section the full company gave us a high energy favourite finale from this show of “I’m a Believer” which had the audience rocking.

Leona Mason, a stalwart of this Company, gave us a heartfelt rendition of “She Used to be Mine” from Waitress.

As the show moved on, we were royally entertained by three further compilations from Guys and Dolls, Chicago (I particularly liked the duet of "We Both Reached for the Gun" and the choreography of the puppet scene), and finally from Les Misérables. These were all superbly performed by Sam Berg, Lou Adie and Thomas Chandley and Billy Young, Stuart Bruce-Gormley and Georgie Swale, Alison Aston along with Billy Young and Francis Laidlaw.

With the full company closing the show with “Do You Hear the People Sing”.

The production flowed smoothly with lighting and sound in support, the choreography was specific and stylish, the singing was certainly show stopping and each person on stage showed their enjoyment and commitment. The company presented a thoroughly entertaining evening, creating more memories and boding well for the future.

Thank you Langholm for a great night’s entertainment.

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