Encore

This production ‘Encore’ was a ‘songs from the shows’ styled production using a tried and tested formula that offered lots of opportunity for experienced and inexperienced performers that included both adults and young people. A bold opening set the tone for the show with the well dressed ringmaster set against atmospheric stage smoke, with loud drumming and good songs from the ‘Greatest Showman.

The two acts of the show were colour themed which was an attractive feature. In part 1 everyone was dressed in red with black tights or trousers and in part 2, attractive blue/turquoise and black. Similarly the draped backcloth was lit to coordinate with the costumes with two ‘traffic light’ lighting stands offering additional visual interest. Between song sections, 2 costumed members of the stage crew moved stage props...black boxes which were used as chairs, tables, stools etc.  

Members of the cast narrated the entertaining programme of songs from shows, well known and not so well known and there was terrific energy and enthusiasm from the whole cast throughout the show and it was obvious to the audience that everyone was working hard and enjoying themselves.

The singing was mixed with some very talented soloists and others.... well done for having the courage to try.  This concert style of show is very nerve wracking for many as it leaves a performer exposed instead of being able to hide behind a character, so well done to everyone for the excellent effort.

Accompanying  the performance was a 5 piece band, although they were all in tune and played perfectly, the performers had to follow the solid rhythms set by the band, leaving little opportunity for individual interpretation, so  ensemble singing and solos had very  little ‘light and shade’! ‘From someone who has performed in over 30 songs from the shows and also directed several, I would comment....  Encourage your MD to be a part of the initial planning process. Choose numbers that can follow on from each other with perhaps a judicious key change, this improves the pace and continuity. The semi blackout for box changing interrupted the flow and using the cast to move them in full vision of the audience would give a continuous flow of music, a possibly allowing time for a few extra songs. This is just an observation!

The presentation of the songs suffered from a lack of strong male voices, but the directors had wisely played to the company’s strength’s by offering good female solos and company singing and very enjoyable youth participation from the PYPS.

There were some real highlights, ‘gems’ hidden amongst the almost predictable moments of well known shows. One such gem was Ben’s ‘You’ll be back’ from Hamilton....well performed and entertaining, another was the Verity, Ellie and Hannah’s perfect performance of ‘You can drive a person crazy’ from Company.

Jesus Christ Superstar, Hushabye Mountain (Chitty), But Mostly Me (Book of Mormon) and the Greatest Showman selection were all highlights. But the ‘coup de théâtre’ was Hello from Book of Mormon.... clever, inventive, funny and exceptionally well performed. In fact it was so good, that on the way home my husband said ‘we must make an effort and go to London to see the show’!

This was an entertaining production and the audience loved it and I congratulate the whole company and production team.  But my sincere message is to both directors..... Very well done, it is amazingly difficult starting with a blank sheet...then conceptualizing the content of the show, getting the music, casting all the numbers, designing a set and costumes and then rehearsing the show to performance level. Many congratulations, it is quite the hardest thing to do, but so very satisfying when you see the audience sell out and finally hear the applause!

With all good wishes

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