Honk!

The lively introduction with tap routines and eggs hatching to reveal three self-important ducklings provided a jolly start to the show.  Drake (Ugly’s Father) performed by Richard Ashton played the part well with good comedy timing and a friendly voice, clearly proud of his three new offspring.  His wife Ida, Abi White, was perfect as the overworked Mum, portraying her role as mother very well and her scenes with Ugly were particularly moving.  She interacted well with her two friends Maureen (Hazel Hawkswell) and Henrietta (Jennifer Charters).  Ugly, expertly portrayed by Tony Carpenter, was hilarious from the moment he emerged from his giant egg, all gangly and uncoordinated, naïve and somewhat shy but with a determination and strength of character which overcame the taunts and hostility meted out to him by his siblings and even his Father and eventually getting the better of the cunning Cat.  His voice blended nicely with White’s, which meant their songs sounded genuine with plenty of emotion.  Indeed, the final scene where he and Penny decide to live on Ida’s Duck Pond brought quite a lump to my throat.

The “baddy” role was well performed by Kyrie Carpenter as Cat, a newcomer to The Stagers.  The difficulty with this role is to not make it look too pantomime, rather make him slightly larger than life, and he managed this perfectly.  Other smaller roles – but no less poignant – were Queenie, the Female Cat played by Jo Weller and her pal Lowbutt, Kate Buxton, whose friendship was obvious.  Penny, played by Caroline Thompson, the pretty young swan who capture’s Ugly’s heart was charming and sincere.

Eric Collins and Debra Allen were wonderful as Greylag and Dot, geese who were trying to help Ugly get back to the Duck Pond.  Collins’ military manner gave the part a clever dimension and Allen’s hopeless attempts to keep in step behind him were very funny.  To my shame, I can’t remember the character who gave us a hint of Alan Whicker’s Letter From America, but well done - a little gem!  As well as the lead roles, everyone’s performance was flawless.  The singing and harmonies were excellent and every word could be heard.  I can honestly say there was no weak link in this production.

The simple set was used effectively, covering various scenes without having to deal with major changes – the duck yard, the cat’s kitchen, a cottage.  The fluorescent under water dancing fish were particularly inventive and the use of office chairs in a dance routine was very clever. 

The costumes were a riot of colour, combining the fantasy of the farm animals with human touches, accompanied by magnificent wigs for the ‘grown up’ ducks.  I loved the orange leg warmers for the ducklings!

Musical Director Rob Miller and his talented band of three provided the perfect accompaniment, never too loud or drowning out the singers.  It was quite a complicated score which they mastered effortlessly.  The excellent choreography of Debra Allen and Robyn Davies added to the professionalism of the show.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and as I always like a happy ending, this completely fitted the bill!

Congratulations to Director Helen Coyte in her directorial debut.  She follows in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, being the third generation of her family to direct for The Stagers – a talented family indeed.

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