Get Happy

Get Happy- and what a happy evening this was.  The company provided a varied programme with something for everyone, from Rogers & Hammerstein musicals to oldies like Top Hat and Anything Goes to excerpts from modern musicals like Chicago, Blood Brothers and Rent. There were also songs grouped most unusually under the headings of Workshop and Faith. From the outset, with a staged office setting using a few tables and some computer keyboards for the number ‘Nine To Five’, the standard was set. Scenarios created with a few props and appropriate changes of costume made a colourful and fast moving concert. This was accompanied by some nifty choreography within a tight space. All of this complemented some fine singing. Most memorable for me were the humorous ‘Whatever Happened To My Part?’ from Spamalot sung feistily by Lesley Kettles, the unusual ‘A Secretary is Not a Toy’ sung by Douglas Bloomer, the slick dancing by Alex Stewart and Antony Carter in ‘All For The Best’ from Godspell and the visually satisfying ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails’ - and I happily sang along with many old favourites and I was not alone in doing so. I was also intrigued by songs I didn’t know like How ‘D’ya Like Your Eggs in The Morning?’ from Rich, Young and Pretty. But none of this took away from the breadth of singing and movement from all the other soloists and groupings. The programme finished with the moving ‘Anthem’ from Chess. This show was characterised by singers all engaging with the audience and enjoying their roles. Overall this was a truly entertaining and well-coordinated show.

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