Brigadoon

I was looking forward with anticipation to seeing the talented CLOC perform Brigadoon. This is an appealing fantastical story with lovely music and very happy memories for me. Why then, having seen the show, was I left with a vague feeling of disappointment in both the show and production I was just not as engaging as I’d remembered, or was my memory of the show ‘rose coloured’?

Actually, there was nothing wrong with this production...  it was presented just as I remembered when I first saw it in 1965. It had evocative scenery, beautiful music, talented singing and acting, but I found myself wanting more. I wanted more exciting dance routines (I never remembered them being so lengthy) I wanted dramatic lighting effects, I wanted stunning costumes. 

This show was first seen in 1947, a golden age for the stage musical, but that was 67 years ago. Musical theatre has come a very long way in this time and our expectations of seeing a musical and what we expect from it have altered immeasurably. I believe there absolutely is a place for the older classic musical being performed by amateur groups (after all how often do we see them revived professionally in the West End), I do believe however, that if we are going to present today’s audience with the old classic’s we have to try to find new angles. (I speak as the director of our current ‘classic old musical’, wondering how it will be received!)

CLOC updated the story to the current day very well with Americans Tommy and Jeff arriving in the Highlands in 2014, using mobile phones and tablets. They looked just right and their modern approach to the dialogue was very acceptable, slick and funny. But the Brigadoon part of the production in the 1700’s seemed to lack sparkle, the opening calls before ‘MacConnachy Square’ set a very slow pace. But I must congratulate you on the scene change from the Brockie to the MacKeith house, amazingly slick and smooth. The dance sequences, particularly the ‘Come to me’ ballet and the funeral dance were over long and a bit ‘dull’ and the ‘Chase’ was not very exciting musically or action wise with very dark lighting. But the wedding was beautifully set with dark blue night, full moon and very attractive costumes even if the tartans were a little assorted. The performer’s Scottish accent throughout was of variable standard and sometimes unclear, but outstanding for his superb accent was John Sheppard as Mr Murdoch, I enjoyed his performance.

The scenery was acceptable although the plain backcloth became a little dull when there was little colour. The MacKeith house was very good, full of detail. The small orchestra performed well under the guidance of Carol Kenway, it sounded a little thin at times, but it swelled massively and beautifully during ‘From This Day On’ which was delightful.

The direction from Jeff Prescott was well studied, with good characters and setting for the story. The emotions were strong with pathos and comedy well portrayed.

There were excellent performances from John Prescott as Tommy (how he has matured with such a strong and beautiful voice) and his sidekick Jonny Broad as Jeff (a magnificent actor and born comedian) It takes great skill to play a drunk (often totally over played and silly) this was very good. Their dialogue together was professional and most enjoyable.

There were very good performances from Natalie Prescott as Fiona and Oliver Martin as Charlie. Mim Cartwright as Meg Brockie was a winning little minx with delicious fun and delight in her memorable solo numbers. Other characters were most acceptable and I could hear every word except when the accents got in the way.

The company singing was good, especially in the off stage effects (was some of it pre recorded?). The choreography was executed adequately, if not very dynamic.

Brigadoon is still a charming musical...lovely music, attractive story and interesting characters. It is full of nostalgia, but I left wanting more. What was missing? I really don’t know, possibly a bigger audience would have encouraged a bigger performance. But thank you for presenting a show that is rarely seen these days, we enjoyed ourselves whilst wallowing in nostalgia.

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