A Walk on the WAG Side

I realised, when sitting down to write this revue, that it is 9 years since I saw my first production here as a new NODA Regional Representative! How times have changed but Whitkirk Arts Guild has gone from strength to strength with productiions. They celebrate their 70 years of existence, having been formed in 1952 - so this is their Platinum Jubilee, a real year of celebration all round!

When planning this concert style show, they decided to reflect on productions over those decades - and what a wonderful trip it was down memory lane!  In her Director's Notes, Charlotte Jackson spoke of this revue being an inclusive team effort - she decided there should be no solo numbers and this was a brilliant move on her part. It gave a completely different approach from the usual concert-style revue that we may be used to and I applaud her and the whole cast for their enthusiasm and energy in taking this on board.

Act 1 - covered the early years of the society - small vignettes from past productions carefully thought through and presented with style - there was also an opportunity for some audience participation in the Music Hall sequence! Between each section, a member of the cast came forward to explain a little bit of WAG history, which was so interesting. Charlotte directed her 21 cast members around the relatively small stage so carefully it never looked cluttered. She also choreographed some neat moves and dance steps that were well rehearsed and within the cast capabilities. Musically, this was a triumph for the Musical Director, Matthew Jackson - he thanked Louise Norbury-Robinson, former MD, for her help and guidance, There were some amazing harmony ensemble numbers, with good, clear vocals for everyone - I was so impressed!  Two stand-out numbers for me were from 'Jesus Christ Superstar' - 'Heaven on Their Minds' and 'Simon Zealotes' - so well sung and acted. The section taken from the play-with-music about the WW1 'Barnbow Canaries' is part of Whitkirk's  history and was very poignant.

Act 2 - brought us up-to-date with more modern shows - I particularly enjoyed the harmonies in 'Edelweiss '. Also, representing drama was the very interesting section from Terry Pratchett's play 'Wyrd Sisters', which was warmly received by the audience.

There wasn't a weak link in any performance - it was breath-taking throughtout.

Costumes, sourced by Laura Harvey and Claire Jackson were well presented and all the cast had neat hair and make-up - Chris Beardwell and Dan Dainter were listed as the Technical Team and boy, were they spot-on with their cues!!  Excellent! - Lynne Bigland was Stage Manager - Keith Speight and Sean Robinson, Props and Crew. A simple set with flats covered in past production posters - metal towers and large black cubes added to the overall professional style. I was so proud of you all - especially after the two wilderness years we have come through - you just cannot beat live Theatre!

My sincere congratulations to you all - and I cannot wait to see what the WAGS have in store for their December Pantomime, 'Cnderella'!

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