Goin’ Back to the 60s

What a fun evening!  It was an absolute treat to be invited to the renovated Diss Corn Hall with its classy foyer and bar.   I haven’t been to see a show there for many years and the upgraded facilities made in 2017 were a pleasure to see. After a bit of a mix up with ticket entry from the Corn Hall door staff, the lovely ladies of the raffle soon set me right with a laugh and a joke.  The show was obviously very popular with a real buzz in the audience as the tiered seating filled up to its near capacity of about 200.  A mixed range of ages, some in 60s’ gear, showed that the 60s’ magic still holds its own.

Having performed this show three times already in their home setting back in May, this was a new venture for Palgrave Players and the venue really worked for them.  The solo back flat was simple with an image of Diss Mere, (was this different to the Garboldisham shows I wonder?) and a few LP sleeves. and reflected the colour scheme of the record shop boxes in front.  A lone shop owner (George Harrison would you believe) stayed impassive until his full throttle rendition of Everlasting Love later on.

The opening number of California Dreaming with a whole cast ensemble set the tone with some beautiful harmonies giving us a taste of what was to come. We were introduced to the three generations of Gran, played by Kathy Mills, Carol her daughter (Suzanne Stevens) and the feisty granddaughter Ellie played by Holly Brice, with the appropriate amount of puzzlement and surprise as Gran’s reminiscences took effect.  I understand from the Director that the reminiscences were real and brought back to life by Kathy, encouraged by Carol.  Did she really not smoke any of the cigarettes that she kept in her handbag?!

The wardrobe department (Celia Baker, Karen Stephenson and Suzanne Stevens) must have been kept busy with those 60s frocks well suited to the time, but I did wonder about the sparkly (gameshow?) jackets worn by the men – not a flare in sight!

With over 20 songs from the decade to work through the pace settled down and the vocal abilities of this group were fully displayed and delivered with conviction, though on occasion while concentrating on delivering, showing some smiles and enjoyment were lost; however in the main they were all obviously loving it which transmitted to the audience.  The numbers encouraging the audience to ‘Let’s Dance’ went down well with plenty of involvement, though I was puzzled why the front row did not allow aisle space which did make getting to the dance floor a tad awkward for some.  Co-ordinated and led by the cheerful Paris Maben-Hume The Locomotion and I’m a Believer/Let’s Twist Again medley and dancing numbers were enthusiastically enjoyed by all who ventured onto the dance floor and supported by everyone else.

Just too many wonderful numbers and singers to list here but a few that stood out for me were the brave choice of Nina Simone’s Feelin’ Good (Nicola Diggins), the astonishing vocal delivery of Holly Brice with You’re My World and the girl power of Emma Gunter singing These Boots Were Made For Walking. Lovely harmonies throughout especially noticeable in the medley of Da Doo Ron Ron/And Then He Kissed Me led by Suzanne Stevens and Lucie Rush

The lighting and staging were effective with only a few dark areas when the whole ensemble was on stage and the band led by Mike Benyon was perfect for the occasion, the sound for the hall was well balanced and the tech team led by Tony Kilbee did a first-rate job.

Many thanks and congratulations to writer and director Cathal Prendergast supported by Christine Hamilton and Vicky Tofte and to the wardrobe team and band for taking me, and the audience, back to those exciting times.

 

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