Don't Stop believing

From the opening number, ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, there was no doubt this was going to be another hit from the talented cast of WMTC. A great well-dressed opening sequence with inch perfect positioning set the tone for the entire evening. Whilst Val Knight was the overall show director she would be the first to admit that the success of the whole show including 9 main sections, was as much due to the section Directors; Bex Brown, Miriam Knight, Ellie Bugg, Laura Skelton, Carlene Goggin-Jones, Lucy & Russ Dudley.

We have come to expect the fantastic contribution from the Harlequin Stage School and to witness the highest standards befitting one of the top dancing schools in the United Kingdom. Their contemporary tribute to Judy Garland, their dance to ‘Beautiful Morning’, beautifully dressed all in yellow and beautifully danced, and another to ‘Rhapsody in blue’, were all a complete joy.

During the ‘1920s Speak Easy’ section, the WMTC company were joined by the children from Claines CE Primary School (wished I had had the same opportunity when I was there!) and Flyford Flavell Primary School. They made a charming contribution not before the gents presented ‘Luck be a Lady’ and Ken Knight led a great ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’. The youngsters re-joined the Company for ‘Just Blew in from the Windy City’ as part of ‘The Best of the West’ which concluded Act 1.

Jacque Cook provided another polished performance singing ‘Beauty and The Beast’, and other soloists of which there were many throughout the whole programme gave accomplished performances. The compare for the evening was Brian Ellison who provided several amusing tales but was most relaxed with guitar in hand, providing a great selection of tunes around the theme of ‘Getting Married’.

Act 2 opened with a patriotic sequence entitled ‘In the Mood’ and this was followed by a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II when the back-stage team, joined the company on stage. The ladies dressed in red provided a very good sequence entitled ‘Divas’ and I also have to congratulate the men for some nifty moves during a ‘West Side Story ‘ sequence during the section  ‘One Day More’. Cath Skyrme as ‘Major Skirmish’ had the audience eating out of her hand whilst they sang ‘It’s a Long way to Tipperary’ and ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’ simultaneously!

The set, band, sound balance, costumes and lighting all added to the general polish of the production. The finale entitled ‘Thank you for being a friend’ was inspired by the amazing work of Guide Dogs, for whom the Company were raising funds and seven beautiful dogs joined the company on stage.  Who said never perform with animals and children  - no problems here for WMTC, in providing a variety of entertainment which made for a great evening.

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