Dick Whittington

“What a show! The Society is brimming with talent and much of it so young. The future is in safe hands with a young director, young musical director and young leads.”

That is how I started my review two years ago!

I was right. Despite having to miss a year the Society came back, quite literally with a bang as the villainous Queen Rat, superbly played by Hannah Johnson almost slithered into view from behind a cloud of smoke. Only to be sent packing by the delightful Fairy Bowbells, Jennie Lovell.

The first chorus number was chock full of colour and movement.

Richard Llewellyn had a great time as Alderman Fitzwarren AKA Horacio Fitzwarren and the fact that he was playing both parts was used brilliantly by Jack Ebsworth & Michael Graves, playing Idle Jack and Sarah the Cook, respectively. None better than when Richard was off stage undergoing one of his quick changes. “I can see him coming “ “What’s he wearing”  “ Not a lot at the moment!”

I don’t know if Michael has played the Dame before, but he was great!

So on to the love triangle, with the “Leading man” Heather Allan smitten by the Alderman’s daughter Alice, played by Carla Valento, who unbeknown to her was also the love interest of Idle Jack.

The glamorous Sultana of Morocco played by Julie Davenport may not have been the most enlightened of rulers but when Tommy the Cat, saved the day by slaying the Queen Rat, she did generously enable everyone to get home again. Hannah’s death scene was very much in the style of Tony Hancock. Very funny.

Turn the clock back to when the show was being cast and imagine the conversation between the director, Spencer Barlow and sixteen year old Molly Davenport.

SB: I’d like you to play Tommy The Cat.

MD: Ok. Do I have many lines.

SB: Errrr, no. You say “meow”…A lot.

MD: Ooo K. How about songs?

SB: Just one. Oh and you will sing in the chorus numbers.

Well. As they say in the song “It aint what you do it’s the way that you do it”

Who knew that a simple  “meow” could convey so many different things. Coupled with such graceful feline movement and that song! Electricity. What a number.

Overall, the show was excellent. Well directed. Fabulous scenery, which changed smoothly throughout. I had assumed that the costumes were hired, but no. All made by the society. Such vibrant colours and Sara the Cook wore some wonderful creations.

The music too was first class. Three numbers stood out for me. They were Electricity, the finale and 500 miles with its choreography style from Sunshine on Leith.

Thank you for a truly memorable evening.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.