Big Fish

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House and had the opportunity to talk with Director, Katie Everett, making her debut as Director, and others  after the performance.

This was the first time I had seen this musical which essentially took place across two timelines. Despite the complicated plot it was easy to follow and there were some excellent performances from the cast. The casting was really appropriate and showcased the many talents of this well established society. Both the singing and the acting throughout were impressive and I loved many of the songs and lyrics.

Gary Huggins, as Edward, was the central character and what a tremendous voice he had with memorable renditions of many songs. In fact he was on stage for most of the time

Jayne Meek was Sandra, Edward’s wife and played a major part and  she also had a superb voice. I especially enjoyed her solo interpretation of “ Two Men In My Life” and “Daffodils” and “How It Ends”with Edward.

Edward’s son, Old Will was expertly played by Dominic Simpson with Ava Foster as Young Will and Lillia Weaver as Will’s son. Dominic had a strong and compelling but adaptable voice. Lillia was the youngest member of the cast, aged seven and acted out this small role very confidently. There was good rapport and interactions between Edward and Old Will and a coming together after “Showdown.”

Josephine, Old Will’s pregnant wife was very well played by Becky Lee.

Gabrielle Tyler played Jenny Hill, a romantic attachment from Edward’s past and who still professed her love for him.

There were many small but vital roles with actors sometimes doubling as chorus members. Sam Smith, as the giant Karl, carried his great height with remarkable ease! Greg Weaver, as Amos Calloway was suitably officious and Sophie Edwards, as the mermaid slithered easily from the music pit onto the stage several times and definitely looked the part! Martin Goulding, as badman Don Price was suitably threatening.

There was some good choreography (Lynda McGroarty) and fast and impressive tapping by the chorus in Red, White and True. Well done.

The coordination of the backing tracks with the voices on stage was exemplary with no hesitations whatsoever. Thanks to the three ladies in the music pit, Emily Hill, Francesca Goulding and Lizzie Merrell and the obvious detailed rehearsals to achieve such seamless coordination.

The set was very basic but good use was made of video projections to effect scene changes with various props being moved on and off stage mostly unnoticed.

This was an accomplished and very polished production which involved a number of young people in key roles as well as experienced actors.

The small audience was very appreciative and I certainly really enjoyed the evening.

Well done to everyone involved in any way. You can all be proud of this production.

 

 

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