A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS

I always look forward to visiting Garforth Musical Society, there is always a warm welcome and the community spirit is all around you.

This group work so hard to bring live entertainment to Garforth residents, I do admire their hard work and fortitude.

Instead of a full scale musical, GMS decided to present an evening of songs from the musicals. I thought this suited them very well, as all their members could be involved.

The Master of Ceremonies was Jonny Fallas, who guided us through the items and at the same time, gave a little history about the shows that the songs came from. Using backing tracks, the group covered a whole range of shows, singing songs in ensemble, duets and solos. These were most effective.

The evening began with 'The Greatest Showman' - a good starter, involving the whole company. I particularly enjoyed the title number from 'Six' the musical with six of their younger members singing really well with good movement. Their 'Mama Mia' selectioin went down very well with the audience, as did the selection from 'Les Miserables'.

Act 2 opened with a medley from 'Buddy' the musical, featuring the men having a whale of a time with some rock and roll!  I loved the numbers from 'Chicago' - 'When You're Good to Mama' and ' Mr Cellophane' - great fun and well performed.

The finale number was 'You Can't Stop the Beat' which was an ideal song to finish on - the audience were foot-tapping and joining in - such a great atmosphere.

The company were all costumed in black and white, just adding bits of additional costume where required - everyone sang so well and gave the whole evening their all. Unfortunately, the programme did not list the company's names against the songs, so I cannot name individuals, but here is a list of performers taking part; Neil Duff, Manina Fallas, Rebecca Haigh, Laurie Herbert, Ken Hill, Lynne Hill, Amelia Jackson, Joanne Jackson, Val Johnstone, Andrew Oxtoby, Graham Oxtoby, Eleanor Price, Isabelle Roe, Lucy Sharp, Richard Sharp, Erin Smith, Chris White and Jack Wright.

The Production Team consisted of Lynne Hill (Director), Joanne Jackson (Musical Director), Richard Sharp (Producer), Lynne Hill and Lucy Sharp (Choreography) - they all worked well as a team.

The Stage Manager was Andrew Oxtoby, Lighting/Sound - Adam Holmes, Set Design - Richard Sharp, Make-up - Erin Ocsko', Wardrobe - Elaine McAleese, Set Build - Mark Jackson and GMS Cast - Stage Crew - Ian Barber and Erin Ocsko' and Front of House - Phyllis Jackson and her lovely ladies and gentlemen.

I am always amazed at what this group achieve on such a small stage, but they continue to delight their audiences - and long may they do so!

Well done to one and all!!

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