All Shook Up

It was a very enthusiastic and energetic cast which took to the stage for All Shook Up. After not being onstage for over two years, this cast were here in the moment and were more than happy to show everyone in the audience exactly what they could do. It was lovely to see Gavin Chadwick in the ensemble putting in 100% even with his foot in a boot cast after suffering an Achilles’ tendon tear injury during rehearsal, most people would have bowed out but not Gavin - he danced through the pain. The whole ensemble worked incredibly hard throughout this high energy show following the choreography set by Suzi Cleary. At times I did feel that some of the choreography was a little taxing for some of the ensemble, but they worked together as a team and brought the numbers home to a thunderous audience applause . The set consisted of very moveable pieces and added some good structure to the different scenes, combined with the ambient lighting it set the show well for the characters to portray the story. The show itself consists completely of Elvis songs and with twenty six numbers in the show could be considered quite song heavy. However, under the director Richard Parker and the Musical Director Jeremy Sleith, the show bounced along with great pace, great sound and fabulous comedic timing. Projection and diction were good both vocally and in dialogue, accents and phraseology where used were consistent and in keeping. Costumes were good throughout - I particularly liked the statues in the garden and everyone wearing blue suede shoes was a fabulous touch.

The show itself had a very rare thing - it had a true moment. It doesn’t happen very often and we never really know or can explain why it happens, but the goosebumps came and the cast delivery made me tear up when they performed “Can’t Help Falling in Love” which closed the first half. I hope the cast felt it (I genuinely think they will have done) and I hope they remember it for the rest of their lives. 

Tom Williams as Dennis gave us a very strong performance. His comedic timing and delivery were absolutely on point - he is definitely one to keep an eye on in the future. The onstage chemistry between Liam Bunka (Chad), Alison Ruck (Natalie) and Jess Bray (Miss Sandra) was evident and they were all a joy to watch being comfortable and confident in their vocals and dialogue. Kevin Siddall (Jim) was incredible - he threw himself completely into the character and I forgot he was just playing a part. His onstage partnership with Alison Foy-Thackwell (Sylvia) was beautiful to watch unfold as they both discovered they were in love with each other. The comedic element was strong but not overplayed and we felt empathy with their fears and concerns. Louise Clarke (Mayor Matilda) and Daniel Cope (Sheriff Earl) were a fantastic combination, Louise delivered a strident, overbearing, no nonsense woman with ease and aplomb, she commanded the stage as soon as she appeared and the “Devil in Disguise” was a standout number in the show. Daniel balanced her perfectly as the downtrodden sheriff until he had simply had enough and took charge and kissed her - he had some very funny one liners which he delivered perfectly. Amy Quinn (Lorraine) and Luke Fraser (Dean Hyde) were very sweet but with substance, again another strong match in characterisations. Dialogue and vocals were clear and well presented.

Well Done, everyone. Thank you for your hospitality, I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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