Humour & Harmony

Humour & Harmony: a concert performed by members of Orrell Musical and Dramatic Society at the St Johns C of E Primary School, Church Street, Pemberton on Saturday, 30th September, 2023. 

On arrival at this venue, you cannot help but feel welcome in such an informal community, family atmosphere.  The Programme, a cleverly devised mix of songs from the Musicals, interspersed with gentle comedy sketches. 

Act 1….
i)   Opening with a bright upbeat medley from "Little Shop of Horrors" the standard of singing, from individuals and ensemble setting the tone for what was to follow.  Fitting so many people, in their appropriate singing groups, onto a relatively small stage, must have been challenging, but worked well really well throughout!
ii)  O.M.A.D’s News followed.
iii) The ‘Two Ronnies’ sketches competently recreated by Ray Sims and Steve Webster. 
iv) "Love Changes Everything" from "Aspects of Love" delivered beautifully and with an easy manner by Steven Ashcroft. 
v)  "Ex Wives" from the "Six Musical” … the stage lit up with a burst of real energy, clear diction and clever choreography. Credit to whoever thought of putting the relevant character names on their backs. 
vi) "I'm Here" sung with genuine feeling by Vicky Aldren followed by a sketch
vii) "In the Box" … there are some "actors" in the Amateur Theatre that regard Comedy Sketches "not quite them"; however, Shakespeare knew it was harder to make people laugh than to cry and the three people involved in this sketch delivered a masterclass in intonation, glances and impeccable comic timing to the delight of all age groups in the audience… really well-done Andrew Southern Hannah Wallwork and Ste Carletti.
viii) A medley from the "Addam's Family" and a taster for their next show ending the first half.  Not criticism just an observation…some of the extra-large music stands obscured, particularly the smaller ladies and gentlemen; whilst not detracting from the overall enjoyment it would have been nice to have seen more of the faces. Enthusiastic, Energetic and Bright!

ACT 2…
i)    A medley from ‘Wicked’ opened the second half followed by 
ii)   ‘A Right Bunch of Twerps’… a very funny sketch performed with perfect expressions and timing by Alison Hampson, Ray Sims, Ste and Peter Carletti, Sarah Farley, Natasha Ralston and Liz Schofield.
iii)  ‘Burn’ from ‘Hamilton’ handled with confidence and panache by Jude Asbridge followed by
iv)  ‘You Will Be Found’ from ‘Dear Even Hansen’.
v)   ‘Dinner for One’ … it is difficult to play a drunk… it can be overplayed, underplayed or just get lost in inconsistencies. To play a drunk in the ‘gradual process of inebriation’, convincingly, is something special. Andrew Southern, behind the comic element, some serious thought through acting complemented by Carol Waring’s expressions. Be proud….
iv)  Peter Carletti mastered the difficult ‘Stars’ from ‘Les Misérables’ which led nicely to the closing medley from the same musical. I have to admit to having a problem with this section!  In any review, if you say something is ‘really good or really bad’… you put your judgement head neatly on the block!  When working in London, many years ago, I was lucky enough to see the first production of ‘Les Mis’ at The Barbican, probably before many of those on-stage tonight were born!  I have seen it since in many theatres across the country - junior versions and societies, like Orrell, performing medleys in concerts. I could use many adjectives and technicalities to describe your version - but I won't… but what I will just give you are my thoughts as I left… I did not expect, on a dark and wet Autumnal night in a Primary School Hall on the outskirts of Wigan with an orchestra of two and not a head mic in sight, to hear one of the best arrangements and delivery I have ever had the pleasure to hear… it was ‘outstanding’!  

With a ticket price not much more than the average price of a programme in most theatres and coffee by donation… you truly are opening the ‘Magic’ of Live Theatre to all!

A special ‘Thank You’ to a remarkable Musical Director Linda Scott and drummer Nick Woods. The imaginative choreography from Natasha Ralston, Steph Shaw and the multi-tasking Andrew Southern. 

Thank you for a lovely evening Orrell, hope to see you all again in the future!

Stay safe and keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

David Davies
on behalf of
Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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