All Shook Up

All Shook Up a jukebox musical much like Mamma Mia, it takes the songs of Elvis Presley and makes a story with them, set in a town in America one summer where the residents are repressed, love is forbidden and they go on a journey of self-discovery when Chad rides into town (shades of Footloose). With familiar themes of authority losing its way you and you don’t have to be an Elvis fan to appreciate the music.

The composite set is simple and functional allowing quick changes to keep the flow. Using stage crew and actors to change scenes the show kept moving. Stage Right was the bus stop with bench and sign. Walking in we were met with bars to represent the jail. A raised platform was at the back of the stage. A truck was brought on for Sylvia’s Bar and small tables and bar stools stage Left and Right. Jukebox was Upstage Left. Chad’s motorbike was also used various times and the actors were able to sit on it. A truck for Natalie’s garage was also brought on Stage Right. For the museum scene the raise was used and an arch and large statue were Centre Stage. Various signs were used for the carnival and for the fair two waltzers cars with light up love hearts on them, complete with tunnel of love arch and popcorn stand. Set Build Ian Brown. Set Art Loredana Ogden-Budeanu. Props Sharon Shaw. Lighting and Sound all added to the spectacle. Lighting Chloe Spencer and Sound Ashley Foster. Wardrobe looked good from Dennis’ attire suiting his character to the chorus and dancers’ costumes looking good. Wardrobe Lisa Williams.

Lorraine Brown was the Choreographer assisted by Niamh Allen Davies. The opening Jailhouse Rock was sharp and full of energy using the jail bars and making full use of the stage. The choreography was sharp, fresh and fitting. Using all the stage and I loved the statues - it looked very effective. Also, for Devil in Disguise the white against the black and red. Each dance had its own flavour and complemented the scene and what they were trying to say.

Nick Edwards directs and is also the Musical Director. He talks about big energy and big heart in his programme notes and I think a definite tick there - the audience lapped it up. The show definitely was slick and the characters defined and interacted with each other well. The ‘small paddling pool’ of sweat was worth it!

The Ensemble and dances helped keep the energy up and were a great support.

Tracy Higginson played Mavis. Joanne Corfield played Dotty, Lorraine Brown played Pearl. Caitlin Fox played Bonnie. Elisa Fielding played Ruby and Clarice Greenhalgh played Ethel Mae. Matthew Smith played Bobby. Judith Johnston played Betty Lou. Sarah Edwards played Delilah. Caitlin Wineyard played Henrietta/Barfly.

David Darlington was ‘mute’ Sheriff Earl who could not get a word in edgeways until the end when he got the courage to propose to The Mayor of the town Matilda, played by Lesley Anderson. OMG! a ‘Karen’ if ever there was one! . . .the fun police and played well.  Callum Burton played Dean also finding his tongue and spirit to thwart his mum the Mayor. Dean falls for Lorraine from the wrong side of the tracks played by Elise Formston. Callum and Elise worked well together and you believed the relationship.

Craig Booth was Jim who latches on to the wrong women when the one meant for him is under his nose. The comedy moments came through when working with Stephanie Birchall playing Sylvia. All ends well.

Niamh Allen-Davies playing Miss Sandra was a delight looking for her Mr Right with a poncho for Shakespearean sonnets. She is pursued and she pursues and brings the class to the small town. Strong characterisation. Loved Let Your Self Go. She eventually falls for Dennis, played by James McKenzie, who is quirky, awkward and hopelessly in love with his best friend Natalie. James inhabited the character physically and vocally. His stance and facial expressions really worked and in what he didn’t say, but just giving us a slight twitch in his face said it all. Great singing too. Excellent James.

Ryan Stanton playing Chad let out of jail but clearly popular in there, arrives in town and causes confusion and mayhem. Literally all shook up. Unfortunately, he manages to shake himself up too as he pursues the wrong woman. Giving us well known songs such as Roustabout, Love Me Tender and I Don’t Want To, Ryan gave us the confident young man vocally and in character and we saw his confidence dim as he begins to question himself. Well played. Kelsie Partington plays Natalie or Ed as she becomes known. Natalie gave a very measured confident performance of the tomboy girl in love with someone who doesn’t see her as a romantic interest initially. Interacting well with the other characters we see her navigating her way through and finding herself. Very empowering. Brilliant character and not over-played and great voice too.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Beverley and I. HATS must be delighted with this show that was vibrant and full of energy with music from the mid 1950’s onwards still standing strong today.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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