Honk!

Little Theatre Company has a reputation for performing a wide variety of Musical shows and Honk! Is one that is at the opposite end of the spectrum to their previous production.   They proved, however, that they are well up to the task.  When the curtain went up on a simple stage with just a few light touches of scenery, I thought it looked perfect.

The company have to play a range of animals and this could, so easily, have been embarrassing.  However Director Tim Cater and Creative Director Bradley Green produced a light but memorable musical that entranced both adults and children.

The cast were extremely strong with every one producing excellent characterisations.  It seems unfair that I can only mention a few as everyone in this relatively small cast played their part with enthusiasm and energy.   Darren Harper (Ugly) was, of course, the key character and he gave an excellent performance, I particularly enjoyed his performance of Now I’ve Seen You, but all his songs were strong and effective.

Stephanie Wilson (Ida) demonstrated her wide range of performance skills and beautiful singing voice with great energy and to excellent effect.  Simon Bristoe (Cat) was great fun to watch, with nods to some great performers in his characterisation; just enough to get the character but not so much as to drown out his own excellent interpretation.  The four ducklings Laura Harper, Gemma Carracher, Laurelle Gallimore and Jamie Redgate were clearly having fun with their characters and Paul Smith, who doubled as Drake and Greylag, demonstrated his wide range of performing talents in the two very different parts.

The entire ensemble was excellent, with some clearly well thought out characters, special mention to Julian Cottee, who simply made me laugh and Brad Green as the best Bullfrog ever!  The Frogs chorus, Warts And All, was one of the funniest pieces of theatre I have seen in a long time.  Some of it unintentional due to a few wardrobe malfunctions but full credit to the performers concerned who carried on as though nothing was wrong.

The lighting was excellent and fully conveyed and supported the action, the scenery was simple but very effective and the costumes were well thought out.  I liked the fact that they were not full on animal costumes, it made the dialogue and ‘message’ more effective.  The band supported the performers without being over intrusive.

The only other time I had seen this show I was not impressed, Little Theatre Company have persuaded me that the show was much better than I remembered and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

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