Around the World in 80 Days- The Musical

Vane Tempest Theatre Group like to offer their audience something different, and this years main production  “Around the World in 80 Days ”was certainly different and also a premier performance for Noda North. Director, Keith Armitage, took the group on a fantastic journey and it was clearly observed by the audience on the evening I attended that the cast certainly enjoyed the challenge. There were some nice pieces of choreography created by Kathryn Burnett all of which was performed well and Ben Wardropper did a fantastic job as Musical Director supporting the cast to deliver some difficult but well delivered musical numbers. Performed in Seaham Town Hall the group made the best use of the limited space by using one static set and created the story innovatively with the use of props which were very effective and amusing especially the train scenes and I loved the elephant, congratulations to the stage and technical crew who provided both sound and lighting to a good standard and the costumes were authentic which helped to enhance the production.

Ben Wardropper delivered a sterling performance as Phileas Fogg, a Victorian gentleman who waged his life fortune to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days, Ben as the lead principal character was barely off the stage, and remained in character throughout the performance, good stage presence and he  delivered his musical numbers well, Laura Geary for me gave a stand out confident performance in the role of Passepartout, his French male servant, excellent stage presence never loosing the French accent even when delivering her musical numbers which were delivered confidently and well sang -a truly polished performance. Ashleigh Hallimond played the part of Inspector Fix who was in hot pursuit to arrest Fogg, following a bank robbery in London, good character role, just needed to be careful of timing so that the audience could catch all the innuendoes and comic lines, again some nice vocals coming through in her musical numbers. Natassia Cole delivered a good performance as Princess Aouda, each time I see this young performer she is becoming more confident on stage and I particularly enjoyed her musical number “What Do I Know”. The principal performers were well supported by the ensemble all of whom deserve a mention as they ensured that this show was a success, they delivered some very difficult musical numbers and all worked hard demonstrating lots of energy and enthusiasm Toni Harrison gave a good performance as Gautheir Ralph and the Train Conductor, NickThompson gave a confident performance as Andre Stuart, John Bunsby and Captain Speedy, Lindsey Southwick was confident as Thomas Flanagan, Elder Hitch and Judge Obadiah. Rob Urwin demonstrated his versatility as John Sullivan, Mr Oysterpuf and Mr Mudge, as did Emily Harrison as Samuel Fallentin and the Train Conductor. Katrina Wake was confident as the Bank Clerk, the Chinese Girl and was part of the Geisha Dancers. Josie Littlewood excelled as the Newspaper Boy and the Snake Charmer. Suzy Wake delivered great characterisation as Dolly as did Susan Antcliff as the British Consul; John Reay played a very convincing Indian Policeman, Sailor and American as did Andrew Cunningham who also played an American and a Ship’s Captain. Keith Armitage played the very astute Sir Francis Cromarty and Stamp W.Proctor, and there was a good performance from Kathryn Burnett as Madam Chang’s Dancer and a Geisha Dancer, Julie Ann Marshall delivered a convincing Kim as did Gemma Parnaby as Miriam. Carolyn Adgar gave a good performance as Ruth and the Ship’s Pilot and Jayne Littlewood was equally delightful as the Egyptian, Robert Reynolds delivered a good performance as the Japanese Gentleman and Reverend Wilson as did Richie Petre and Zoe Tempest as the Frenchmen and Ben Southwich as the Italian, good dance performances from Jenny Marshall and Debbie Finkel as part of the Geisha Dance routine and finally Helen Southwick who gave a good performance as High Priestess of Kali, a Geisha Dancer and Blue Lotus, must also mention Helen’s  vocals in the musical number “The Dragon Tattoo” absolutely lovely and she lead this musical number really well.

Great performance from the whole cast, who put their hearts and voices into this performance,  Congratulations to everyone at  Vane Tempest Theatre Group for putting your stamp on this new show to our district well done to everyone and I am looking forward to your next production in May “Gone But Not Forgotten”. Well Done.

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