Hello Dolly

As openings go this was pretty poor, I personally feel if you’re going to work the overture or prologue it’s got to be slick and captivating to start a show, this one teetered on boring to say the least and far too long, That said the show then kicked into another gear much to our relief. This company could show a few larger societies how to produce a show on a small and very limited stage area albeit they did have access to the catwalk around the orchestra which was used to its fullest advantage, especially the dance routines which were very slick and well-rehearsed, the waiters gallop was sensational full of life and energy oh and very scary at times on that catwalk but brilliant. Horace Vandergelder (Joey Wiswell) aged himself well and gave a good rendition in this role, enter the shop assistant’s Cornelius Hackl (Andrew Marsh) a wonderful performance fully understanding of the role and comedy with the most exquisite voice, giving strength to his accomplice Barnaby Tucker (Jake Hankey) who bounced of the energy of Cornelius giving the perfect comedy duo well done. Mrs Malloy (Jean Carter) wow what a voice, blues, jazz charisma the voice just landed on the ear perfectly and you acted out the part with Cornellius wonderfully, excellent characterisations. If you ever want to see truly professionalism in the making look no further than Minne Fay(Emma Fairhurst) cameo roles come and go but you played this role with just the right amount of class without trying to upstage anyone a beautiful performance. Ermengarde (Elle Edwards) and Ambrose Kemper (Josh Hankey) looked every inch their parts and completed a fabulous principal line up. I couldn’t not mention a stronger performance than that of the judge (Mervyn Whiticker) so funny well done.

Now saving the best until last, when most of us go to shows we inevitably relate to the film version and expect some super star to appear, well she did and Dolly Levi (Vicky Dilworth) you were magnificent in this role the speed in which you delivered your lines with the most amazing diction, singing, movement oh and not forgetting the meal in between was an absolute joy to behold you looked sensational with just enough Jewish cotia in the accent, fabulous role.
Overall a wonderful show thoroughly enjoyed by everyone well done

My sincere thanks for the hospitality shown to me during my visit

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