Company

Handsworth and Hallam T C once again take on lesser performed pieces, this time ‘Company ‘by the famous Stephen Sondheim bringing his excellent score to life. Company is based around Bobby who is celebrating his 35th birthday along with five couples who individually attempt to encourage Bobby to find a partner and settle down. In reality what we actually witness within this beautifully written piece is the totally differing back stories as each couple is visited by Bobby, whilst each couple feel they are helping they are actually pouring out their personal trials and tribulations witnessed within their own lives. Interspersed we meet three ladies who Bobby has been courting at various times and once again experience all their somewhat insecure and totally differing aspirations. The set was cleverly devised with steps to left and right leading to the full stage width platform, at floor level a slightly raised central area along with pairs of chairs set strategically around the perimeter. This production not only needed good actors and singers but due to most of the cast being visible throughout ,even when not directly involved, stillness and concentration was paramount as the whole group joined in many of the numbers with excellent delivery and timing.

I must credit the whole production team Matthew, Jane, Hayley, Beth, Joseph and Steve., To pull together a production of such immense quality within an eight week period is simply outstanding. Your combined vision, direction and knowledge of the piece clearly taken on board by the whole company along with singing of the highest order under the watchful eye of your MD Steve and his wonderful orchestra. However as with all things having a great production team only works if the cast take on board and deliver, and deliver they did.

Whilst this musical centers around Bobby performed by Joseph Walker to a quite brilliant standard, his whole persona and controlled delivery shone through every differing situation with total conviction along with singing of the highest order in particular. ‘Being Alive’ being one of many standout numbers. The brilliance of the piece was totally captured by the company and as each couple delivered their cameo scenes we witnessed every aspect of married life. Harry by Richard Granger and Sarah by Katie Granger, one always corrects and the other despairing at always being questioned, great Karate scene brilliantly orchestrated. Peter by Andrew Stansall and Susan by Sarah Morrell the loving couple clearly happier after divorce with wonderful scenes from your balcony. David by Neil Kirkman and Jenny by Catherine Harban beautifully performed, high as a kite, drug scene, lovely poise and wonderful characterizations. Paul by Sam Widdowson and Amy by Katie Dolling , what a crazy two ends of the spectrum couple, ‘Getting Married Today’ quite brilliantly performed and delivered. Larry by Steve Mather and Joanne by Sarah Buckley, two great performances, Joanne enjoying many a tipple throughout with excellent control of being somewhat tipsy along with your accepting other half Larry quietly accepting but really wanting more fun from life. Your delivery of ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ totally convincing. We the have Bobby’s three girlfriends, April by Grace Hadabora, Kathy by Sarah Ross and Marta by Bethan Griffiths. Three totally differing characters performed with poise and ease. Your individual scenes with Bobby all brilliantly played out along with the most memorable ‘You Could Drive a Person Crazy’ . Marta with the really challenging ‘Another Hundred People’, and the controlled apartment scene by Grace, never easy but performed confidently and tastefully.

Group numbers, solos, full cast, each and every one of you performed to a totally believable and high standard. The set changes predominately by cast carried out seamlessly, the sound and lighting were excellent throughout.

This is a very tough show that has been performed to a very high standard, sometimes the word Amateur does a misjustice to the quite professional manner this musical achieved.

Thank you to the whole FOH for their very warm welcome.

Please don’t just take my word for the quality this achieved, but buy a ticket and witness a musical rarely done for yourselves.

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep.

 

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