Bad Girls

Bad Girls, the Musical is the piece which highlights the plight of a group of women, all inmates at H.M. Prison Larkhall. This choice of show was a big change for the Society, but they rose up to the challenge and received a standing ovation from an appreciative audience. The set was adequate and the scenes were swiftly changed by an experienced back stage crew together with the girls themselves moving the inner section of the cells expertly to change the scene.

The opening musical number was delivered by the inmates and one couldn’t help noticing the deep harmony throughout the whole show from the commencement of the Production to the final curtain. There was a concoction of very serious moments and many comical occasions in the script, which were brilliantly executed by all members of the cast. Shell Dockley, played by Jessica Downing-Jones, self-appointed guardian angel, led the company in many musical numbers, her
rich singing voice resonating beautifully throughout the auditorium. Together with her side-kick Denny Blood, played by Olivia Gordon, Shell offered protection to new comer Rachel Hicks, confidently played by Ella Haywood who fully justified her selection in this very sad role. Debbie Ash shone in her role as Nikki Wade, again demonstrating her vocal dexterity in all her numbers.

The arrival of sassy Yvonne Atkins, played by Nikki Jones, complete with cigarettes and alcohol, took the production to a new level. Undaunted by anything or anyone on either side of the law, Nikki took this role by the scruff of the neck, one could see she thoroughly enjoyed participating in all that was going on. A very lively performance from Nikki. Laurie Mountford was well cast as Crystal Gordon, bringing out a religious tinge to the piece, lovely poignant solo set Act 2 in motion.
The two Julies, Del Harper as Julie Saunders and Jane Crinigan as Julie Johnson, added their talents to this excellent cast whilst Carol Williams, was an absolute hoot as elderly inmate Noreen Biggs, with her very funny aside remarks and gestures.

On the other side of the Prison, Tom Roberts gave an excellent portrayal as Jim Fenner, Principal Officer at Larkhall Prison whose reputation as corrupt, and a sexual predator was known by all inmates. Tom put his stamp on his role from his first entrance and led the Company in a Glitzy choreographed number, whilst Maxine Bradshaw as Senior Officer Sylvia Hollamby, hung on Fenner’s every word. Melissa Bellis was cast as Helen Stewart, Wing Governor, a job Fenner
wished for, coped well with many difficult moments dealing with the Prisoners whilst Eddie Green, as The Number One Governing Governor, in charge of the Women’s Prison and Harrison Daly as Officer Justin Mattison, completed the main cast. All minor roles were well executed.

Choreography was innovative and well-rehearsed. Solos, duets and chorus numbers were spot on.

Thanks you once again RADMTC for tackling something different, a difficult piece, well Directed.

This is the opinion of the Reviewer.

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