How the War was Sung

Dryburn Theatrical Workshop certainly knows how to entertain.  In their latest production, “How the War Was Sung”, the cast gave us an evening of song, dance, poetry and drama to commemorate the dedication of all those service men and women who took part in both World War 1 and 2.  Director Michelle Coulson certainly knows how to put on a professional show, and from the opening number to the finale this production was jam-packed with popular music hall songs, patriotic verses and sketches which certainly pleased the audience.  Dryburn Theatrical Workshop certainly has a wealth of talent in its members, and it was evident from curtain up that this production was going to be memorable.  The talented production team included musical director Brian Pennick  leading from the key board, and Helen Wilson as choreographer.

Because so many numbers were used it is impossible for me to comment on every one, but I thought the opening was very colourful and very energetic with the stage dressed with a camouflaged back cloth and the cast dressed in traditional World War 1 military and nursing uniforms which worked very well, which created a good look to act one. The show opened with a cavalcade of songs from music hall days which was very well polished, and the choreography enabled the cast to move around the stage whilst keeping in touch with each other.  I particularly liked “They Didn’t Believe Me” performed by Phil Martin, and “Let the Great Big World Keep Turning”, beautifully sung by Annette Morris. Joe Coulson gave us a great rendition of “Roses of Picardy” and I particularly liked the dancers routine to the “Can Can”  which was very entertaining and well rehearsed.  I enjoyed “Goodbyee“ performed by David Rounce and the female ensemble, and the male ensemble singing “Good Bye Dolly”.  Well done to Joe Coulson, Phil Martin, Gary Eglinton and David Rounce for the Black Adder sketch. I thoroughly enjoyed this very entertaining and funny piece. There were some very moving moments with cast reading poems and letters which brought you back to the reality of the Wars and the first act ending with “Keep The Home Fires Burning”  led by Charlotte Siddoway, and the whole cast joining in with” Pack Up Your Troubles” and “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”.

The second act opened with the cast adorned in traditional army uniforms, performing the “Lambeth Walk”, very fitting for the World War 2 section.  Claire Jordan gave us a selection of Ivor Novello songs including “Waltz of My Heart”, “Rose of England” and “We’ll Gather Lilacs” during which you could have heard a pin drop in the hall.  Claire has a fantastic range and was a pleasure to watch, as was Karen Scott with “A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square”, one of my favourite war songs.  I particularly liked Libby Kennedy’s rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and the male ensemble with their rousing “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler”. I liked the Flannigan and Allen’s collection sung by Malcolm Quinn and Gary Eglinton, and Jean Coyles gave us the classic “White Cliffs of Dover”.  There was a fantastic dance routine to “In the Mood” which again was well choreographed, and it was lovely to see Michelle Coulsen actually on stage rather than directing from the side lines giving us her rendition of “Well Meet Again” and “Run Rabbit Run” with the chorus performing a tap routine, again well polished and very pleasing.  One of the highlights of the show for me was David Rounce singing “Lily Marlene” which he sang in German.  It was very moving and very unique, so well done, David.  Kay Anderson sang a selection of Gracie Fields numbers which the audience really appreciated, but for me the most moving ensemble number was “Now Is the Hour” well delivered, and I loved the poppies falling during the number. The finale was equally as impressive with all the pomp of the last night of the proms with the full ensemble singing “There’ll Always Be An England”, “Land of Hope and Glory”, and Claire Jordan leading ”Rule Britannia“, a very fitting end to a superb show.  Without exception the whole cast worked together, each going that extra mile to deliver a remarkable performance. Well done Dryburn Theatrical Workshop on an excellent performance.

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