Comrie Cabaret 11 (should have been 12)

This was my first show to review since the lockdown and what a great return to amateur musical theatre! The opening rendition of Stars was beautifully harmonised - the perfect showcase for the talents of the society. A packed programme of foot-tapping chorus numbers from a Buddy Holly medley, songs from Chicago and The Jersey Boys contributing to a fast moving show. All the solos were performed with confidence, conviction and feeling.

Following on from his Buddy Holly character, variety in genre was provided by a powerful singing and guitar playing rendition of the Snow Patrol number “Light Up” by Gary Cavanagh.  Not to be outdone Grant Roach tried (on numerous occasions) to follow this with his ukulele playing but MD Paul Clancy was having none of it. Eventually though we were treated to a masterful “Waving Through A Window” from Dear Evan Hansen by Grant (minus ukulele).

Also from Dear Evan Hansen a contemporary dance routine to “You Will Be Found” was a well performed addition.

In a break from the song and dance, there was even a small comedy sketch “Berryfield Allotments – the tea break” written and performed by Rodger Brunton and Dave Soutar and though masks were worn by the audience they couldn’t disguise their appreciation.

Other highlights included a beautiful rendition of “Cry Me A River” and the “Cell Block Tango from Chicago. And I have to mention the now legendary Raffle announcement by Rodger which is an act in itself and is now a firm favourite with the audience.

Choreography by Jane Fenton and Leslie Ritchie was simple but effective and made good use of the small stage area.

Overall a very entertaining evening. The slick performances were made more impressive by the knowledge that Covid restrictions had made rehearsals very challenging indeed.

All praise to Paul Clancy who managed (to quote the programme) to steer the company through socially distanced harmony. A very entertaining evening – well done to all.

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