Blitz!

This was an excellent show full of energy and vigour. Some lively dancing meant it was a real spectacle to watch. The direction showed great attention to detail and this was evident throughout with good use of the space available on stage and allowing all the performers to contribute fully.  All the Principals gave strong performances but without a doubt the star of this was Julie Waite as Mrs Blitztein.  She was brilliant.  Every inch the Jewish mother with a great accent, correct mannerisms displaying the feisty nature of the lady and to top it off she looked the part. She danced in character and her singing was superb.  In the opposite corner, so to speak, her sparring partners were Tim Kimber as Alfred Locke and Bruce Stewart as Ernie Nearmiss.  Both these very different characters came over well. Tim was argumentative, determined his son would never make an alliance with her daughter and unprepared to bend in his views.  Bruce on the other hand added immense comedy to a very serious story. Everything about him made me smile and his costume was in a class of its own. Sophie Shepherd as Carol Blitztein was excellent with a beautiful singing voice and a strong performance in this important role. She was totally convincing when blind and her rendition of ‘Far Away’ must have brought a tear to many eyes. The love of her life, Luke Martin, very well cast in the part of Georgie Locke, sang some exceptional songs and looked and acted the part in every respect. This couple added a touch of romance with great feeling. Tony Baker perfectly portrayed the part of the deserter Harry Blitztein, Liv Collins lead the chorus with some strong singing and dancing and all the other members of this large cast acted with conviction joining in with the action, building a great atmosphere of the war years. The children were appropriate for the parts, well drilled and, where they did have lines to deliver, they spoke out and projected well so with or without mics we heard every word, Having so many children on stage is a challenge but Carolyn Bennett had obviously worked hard to make sure that they all knew where they were supposed to be. The ensemble all gave good performances, bringing a strength to the singing and showing how important a good ensemble is to a production. The costumes were right for the period and location, the band, under the direction of Daniel Paine supported the performers without drowning them out and the lighting and sound were spot on. Overall an excellent production. 

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