A Night to Remember

Staging its 8th show since returning to the Swan Theatre in 2011, Worcester Musical Theatre Company, significantly decided to support the Royal British Legion as its chosen charity and I had pleasure in attending a special staging of their production on Sunday 11 November.

As well as a wide variety of musical numbers throughout, the end of Act 1 included a section entitled ‘Remembrance’ as a moving tribute to the fallen of a hundred years of war and this was preceded by a beautiful dance sequence from the Harlequin Stage School entitled ‘Always and Forever’, both particular highlights of Act 1.

But the show in general was full of high points, opening with a fast and sizzling sequence entitled ‘Boogie Wonderland’ which set the standard for the performance. The Company were soon joined by the children from Claines C of E Primary School and Stourport Wilden C of E Primary School for a selection of movie tunes including 'Under the Sea’ and a sequence from ‘The Lion King’. Aged between 7 and 10 years they equipped themselves with flying colours and were a credit to their schools.

Most of the musical numbers were headed by an individual singer and joined by the Company. The circle of performers from which the soloists are drawn, widens each year and with it a growing level of confidence. Add to this step perfect dance numbers and together there is great depth in the performance.

Where links were necessary, some great story telling is provided by Paul Bellamy; not least those involving reunions at the ‘Dog and Duck’, Scots waiting for ‘Happy Hour’ and a future left handed golf playing wife! Comedy was also added by Cath Skyrme and I particularly enjoyed her uniformed ‘Major Skyrmish’ spot leading the singing, which was totally embraced by the audience. 

The set was simple with few stage props which provided a great space to work in. The variations in lighting were very effective and throughout the costumes and sound were impressive. The off-stage 5 piece band were well controlled and provided just the right level of accompaniment.

There is never a shortage of workload for the Company and understandably a number of section producers are involved in the creative work. They and the Show Producer Val Knight must be rightly proud of the results.

The final spot from the Harlequin Stage School created by Paula Dymock and Lianne Street was a magnificent sequence from ‘The Greatest Showman’, followed by a dazzling Company finale with ‘The Best of the Brits’. Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to ‘Celebrate the Season’ in 2019.

 

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