High Society

I suppose it would not be a lie to say that Cole Porter wrote his own review for this show in the lyrics of just one of the many hit numbers in the show – What a Swell Party This is!  The rest of the show just brims over with memorable tunes including what I think should by my signature tune – ‘Say it – with Gin’.  Despite the fact that it is – to quote a line from the show “just the privileged class enjoying their privileges’ I find it impossible not to be captivated by the music, and the sheer ‘feel good factor’ of the whole show.

The music was generally good and congratulations on maintaining such a good sound balance.  I think I would have preferred that the cast microphones were turned down just a little as I thought I detected a little distortion on some of them on some occasions – but that is really quite a picky point as the overall balance was so good.

I must congratulate the Society and director Nora Howcroft for the way the production moved through the innumerable scenes – being a show from a film always involves endless scene changes and these were performed, often by the cast, in a very slick and efficient way and perhaps most importantly without dropping the pace in any way.  Speaking of pace – the whole show moved at a tremendous pace throughout – almost too fast on some occasions as the audience were not always able to applaud when they felt they wanted to for fear that they might miss something.

The costumes were very good and the ‘chorus of servants’ in particular looked very good – it is that attention to detail which makes all the difference – the chorus looked as good and suitably dressed as the principals – well done!

I was very impressed with the ensemble work – the chorus had obviously been drilled to within an inch of their lives – but oh how well it paid off! The routines were simple but highly effective and all performed very well – slick and absolutely in step.  Just whilst speaking of the chorus, it was lovely to see such a wide range of ages all working so very well together.

The whole show was well cast, some of the ages perhaps a little ‘off’ but that did not detract in any way from the whole show as there were some great characterisations and some simply wonderful facial expressions. The humor was well brought out and greatly enjoyed by your almost capacity audience. There were some quite excellent examples of how to play someone who had had ‘one too many’ – almost too good – just wondering if it was observation or experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening, the society had obviously worked together with feeling and enjoyment to produce a light hearted and entertaining show. The obvious talents of the entire cast and production team produced an evening of theatre worthy of their talents: the audience clearly enjoyed the show and rewarded the production with loud and much deserved applause. My thanks go to Walmsley Church AO & DS - on stage, behind the scenes and front of house - for a most enjoyable evening and very warm welcome. I very much look forward to my next visit to the Walmsley Church Hall.

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