A Seaside Spectacular

The society’s annual summer show, performed once a week from the end of July until the end of September did just what it was supposed to do – entertain.  With a range of numbers made popular by people such as Michael Jackson, Elvis, Robbie Williams, Elton John and The Beatles the cast were kept very busy and were helped by an encouraging audience which sang along with many of the numbers.

Manda Holderness made a very encouraging start to her directing career and it is to the credit of the society that it gives a chance to younger people who are willing to direct members who are, in many cases, of a different generation.

The first half mainly consisted of solo items from the 60s to the 90s including ‘Annie’s Song’, ‘Somewhere Out There’ (lovely), ‘Frozen Orange Juice’ and ‘A Night Of A Thousand Eyes’ along with several chorus selections.

The second half seemed to be more up to date featuring less known numbers and some crackers including a great ‘When I Need You’ and the coal miners’ song ‘Working Man’.

The programme included a couple of funny sketches (Victoria Wood’s Marjorie and Joan and Gerald the Gorilla from Not The Nine O’Clock News) which gave variety to the evening.

I would have liked to have heard some more harmonies in the chorus numbers which were pretty lively and accompanied by very acceptable choreography and armography which might have challenged some!  The use of the theatre’s back video screen was well thought out and added to the entertainment.  At times I felt that some of the soloists weren’t “connecting” with the audience, even though they sang well, however it is a skill that needs honing especially in a small theatre with the audience very close.

Costumes were bright and colourful and the whole thing was accompanied by a small band of keyboard, 2 guitars and drums with excellent leadership from Geoff Allanach who also provided some of the harmonies.

As I said earlier this was an entertaining evening.

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