27th June 2025
Roleplay
The Phoenix Players, Trinity Theatre, Southsea
Below Stairs
Author: Gordon Harris
Information
- Date
- 11th November 2016
- Society
- GEMS (Gravesend Entertainment & Musical Society)
- Venue
- Theatre Guild Theatre, Gravesend
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Paula Goswell Diggens
- Musical Director
- Christine Diggens
GEMS you were very brave to take a newly written, unknown musical and give it an airing. Put Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs and a touch of My Fair Lady together and you have Below Stairs.
Paula Gosnell Diggins, you directed this large cast well, which I can only imagine was so difficult on such a small stage.
Leading Lady Lucy Barber brought the part of Lucy to life and has a great singing voice. Sean McDermot gave an exquisite Edward, without an accent. Maddy Gosnell gave an accomplished, polished performance as Doris Lovegrove. Tom Snodgrass' transition from policeman to soldier “Tom” worked well and what a great voice this young man has, along with good acting ability. Micheal Donavon as Mr Town the Butler, dutiful and stern.
Below Stairs gave us a sense of the Music Hall of the olden days, not a single memorable song to go out humming, but all seemed to be enjoying themselves on stage, singing their hearts out with good musical direction by Christine Diggins.
All in all a well put together piece of musical theatre. I do have a couple of gripes: stage makeup on gents was not needed when you have good lighting like you had, and present day glasses!!! Thank you GEMS for inviting me, I was duly entertained.
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.