An Evening's Entertainment

SPADS presentation of An Evening’s Entertainment has become a regular feature of this society’s yearly calendar and is designed predominantly in order to allow young up and coming directors like Daisy and Josh the opportunity to spread their wings, develop their talents and try theatre skills that they might otherwise overlook. All this under the watchful eye of the more experienced members of the society who give guidance and support throughout.

In the first half of the evening we were taken into the afterlife with a play called Fate’s Thread by Stephen Bean. This was Daisy Levett’s directorial debut and she was well supported by her cast members. Alice Fletcher (Helen Lohan) and Harriet Cole (Annabel Clarke) both very experienced actresses took the leads and I am sure much fun was had during rehearsals with the fast passed dialogue and not actually going too over the top with the “death” theme.

The choice was made to extend the stage slightly on one side to allow the second location, Susan and Jack’s apartment, to be separate from the graveyard. This worked to a point but lighting proved problematical and there were a number of blind spots especially when Jack (Kanyin Jolaosho) and Susan (Debbie Stoten) were standing. As a director one needs to try various approaches to scenes even if it means moving away from what is suggested in the original script in order to achieve the lighting plot you require. Don’t be afraid to change your mind if something is not quite as you imagined it. Remember, nothing is written in stone!

Generally the dialogue was a little on the fast side and not all dialogue was secure but I liked the use of the smoke machine and the costumes and makeup were in keeping with the overall presentation. For your first time directing I believe you did a good job and should be proud of what you achieved. I look forward to your next production. Don’t give up.

The second half of the evening was “ a potpourri of comedy, dance and song”  featuring some of the young talent in the society.

“With or Without You” made for a great start with good harmonies making a perfect combination of male voices and guitars. I enjoyed this very much.

“The Evolution of Music” combining popular music through the decades with great choreography displayed teamwork and commitment. The girls worked well as a group and the choreography was executed with precise footwork and body language. Well done.

“More Than Words” showed musicality and emotional understanding with beautiful harmonies once again.

“A Tale of Phonetics” was a very clever piece of writing delivered brilliantly by SPADS master of the vernacular, Alan. Particularly enjoyed by those in the teaching profession in the audience.

“A Little Cinderella” performed by the company, was a playful skit on the well-known story and appreciated and enjoyed by the whole audience. What Fun!!!!

“Need You Now” was a perfect duet for Josh and Molly. Singing showed maturity and sensitivity not always achieved by young performers but here was the exception.

Finally the young men in the company performed their version of  “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago. Taken very seriously by the chaps and with appropriate choreography this added to the illusion intended for the audience. It was fun, it was risky and the audience loved it. What a way to end a great evening.

Thank you once again for your generous hospitality

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