Blitz!

                                                          BLITZ

ClOGS Musical Theatre                                                THE Neeld Arts & Community Centre Chippenham

Director Matt Heaton                                                   Musical Director   Peter French

Choreographer Lucy Ibbetson                                     March 13th, 2019

Blitz is a well-loved musical, guaranteed to fill a theatre so, on the night I attended, it was full of theatre goers full of anticipation and CLOGS did not disappoint!

The scenery was well done, and with a realistic Underground and sleeping bodies on the platform! The costumes were authentic and the acting very believable.

Mrs Blitztein (Debi Weaver) came over with real conviction, as the overprotective mother with the oversized personality! She sang beautifully and always in character, never letting the accent slip.

Carol Blitztein (Poppy Dall ‘Occo) acted with great sensitivity especially the difficult transition from sighted to blind. Her duet with Georgie Locke (Harry Smith) “Magic Doorway” was very well done. Harry portrayed Georgie so well, demonstrating the dogged courage displayed by so many recruits at that time and also the inner turmoil when faced with the reality of Carol’s injuries and making the decision to marry her anyway, as their love would overcome anything.

Harry Blitztein (Ben Tedds) made a grand job of becoming a ducker and diver after deserting and looked at ease in his role along with Alfred Locke (Gary Ibbetson) his father who had a great accent and succeeded in constantly winding Mrs Blitztein up, and everybody else as well.

Ernie Nearmiss (David Powell) came over extremely well and had some wonderfully funny lines delivered with perfect timing!

 The supporting cast, representing the different nationalities and characters that lived in the East End during that terrible time, strongly portrayed their characters and sensitively moved from bawdy pleasures to despair and sorrow, each making the individual characterizations stand alone.

The children were amazing, again each displaying their individuality, yet working together so well. Their songs “We’re going to the Country” and “Mums and Dads” were performed with gusto and enthusiasm

 The singing was super and well executed and helped create the atmosphere needed for the production, the clearness of diction and sound was very effective and well done.

I am aware that there was a problem with the use of smoke to accompany the very effective explosions that was beyond the control of the production team, but it didn’t spoil a thing, or take anything away from this super production

The Orchestra under the baton of Peter French gave a great sound obviously revelling in the typical Lionel Bart sound.

The choreography was super and well thought out. Well done Lucy Ibbetson.

Matt Heaton is to be heartily congratulated on a job well done and he should be well pleased and proud of CLOGS. CLOGS had it all! And this was only the first night!!

Graham Liverton

Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

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