Acorn Antiques!

Translating a successful TV show into a musical has its risks but this production shows how well it paid off. Taking the prospective sale of shops to a developer and combatting big business by delving into family past was the recipe for misunderstandings and tremendous fun. Leading the way was Shirley McNulty as Miss Babs who nailed her role with class and energy, dropping one-liners with aplomb. Likewise Anne Allan, in the famous role of Mrs Overall, brought all her experience to bear and made it her own, delighting with every entry and excelling in ‘Mrs Overall’s Farewell’.  Not to be outdone, Catherine Brannen Usher gave a polished performance as Miss Berta, facial expressions priceless as she tried to get Mr Clifford, her amnesic fiancé played precisely by Iain Usher to recognise her. Chris Taylor as the third sister Miss Bonnie created a grasping, go-getting contrast and made her mark. Also revelling in baddie status was Ross Nicol as Tony whose scheming ruthlessness was palpable. From all, good timing was the key. Well characterised pairs were the Pitifuls, Craig McCallum as Hugh and Mandy Armstrong as Mimi, who transformed into reliable employees and the couple, Ken Christie as Mr Watkins and Simon Thomas as Derek, whose Gent’s Duet was so moving. Other characters Christine, Miss Cuff, Mr Furlong, Miss Wellbelove and Miss Willoughby (Carolyn Johnston, Jan Higgins,Malcolm McNulty,Jenny Gilchrist and Morag Mclintock) fitted seamlessly into their roles as did the Customers. The Backing Girls, Elaine Dawson, Holly Steel and Amy Sutherland, danced and sparkled with their red sequins and blond wigs. Singing throughout was excellent and movement well judged and slick. Costumes were smart and appropriate to characters and the era. The set was devised with flats for the opening street scene which removed to reveal the impressively dressed antique shop behind.  Humour was the order of the day and the cast delivered a punchy and hilarious show. A triumph.

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