All By Myself

SSSJ have put together an evening with a one act play called All By Myself by Robert Scott and then added a concert with music all linked to the seaside.

Stella Crank interweaves the songs and play to make a cohesive evening of entertainment, not shy at giving newbies a chance to work on stage and perform -  learning and getting experience from others (how else will they learn?). During the building of the raft, two cast members coming around the audience selling seaweed and chocolate shells (I missed out on the chocolate shells, lol!), including Jack Farrell interacting with the audience.

The setting was a desert island with camouflage netting draped at the back and boxes piled up to also be used as seating. A wooden pallet was then used to build the raft. Simple and effective. For the concert rattan furniture and large shade were set Upstage giving a tropical feel. The use of lighting and gobos then helped to enhance the setting.

Staging was by Rich Cooper and David Crank, Sound was Peter Dickinson. Lighting by Wayne Gibson.

SSSJ costumes always look good and because of the quick changes during the concert, thought had gone into this. I especially like the white look. Costumes by Chris Wynn

Choreographer was Jenifer Cooper and good use of the stage was made and Jennifer herself did some of the solo dances to cover the instrumental in some of the solo songs.

The one act play All By Myself sees Larry played by Neo Leach all alone on an island for about four years when his ship the Crystal Voyager goes down. What he does not know is he is not alone but when he meets the other shipwrecked folk, he wishes he was. Neo has really come on as a performer and whilst a little unsure of lines he is one to watch for the future. I look forward to seeing him again. Libby Kershaw played Miss Ashworth and Chris Roberts, Ashworth. Charlie Roberts played Pemberton, Jennifer Cooper, Miller and Colin Dean, Nicholson.  The group were the committee on the island which was to fill their days, their characters coming across as annoying as should be - like having a vote to see if he can have a vote (funny!) Again, some of the cast having a great vehicle to learn with more experienced cast members like Jennifer Cooper and Colin Dean, a good starting point - just make sure you are solid on lines and know your cues and making sure you keep your eyeline towards your fellow cast members and not looking into the audience, just to give the icing on the cake. The absurdity of the situation on the island came across and was funny. Well done.

The show opened with Dance the Night Away with Neo, Heather and Ensemble. Setting the evening we then went into the play and finished with the song All By Myself with the cast of the play and Ensemble. This finished the first act.

The second Act opened with Libby Kershaw, Heather Cooper and Ensemble sining Rock The Boat. With all the songs I will just pick out a few.

Vanessa Dean-Boardman. Lovely voice and confident in Love Letters in The Sand and La Isla Bonita. Libby Kershaw sang Island beautifully.

Walking On Sunshine by Female Ensemble was a delight and Under the Boardwalk with Chris, Jack, Charlie and Jennifer.

My personal favourite was Wellerman by the Male Ensemble, I thought it was fantastic. Well done.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Angela and I. Thank you SSSJ for the time you put in to growing new talent it’s a delight to see. All looked to be having fun what a great idea to incorporate a one act play and theme the music and songs.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5

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