Jack the Ripper

A show which has been going the rounds in District 11 but one which I still enjoy with every production giving some new twists here and there from different directors work on the show.

A fairly quiet start just for a few moments with Witham AOS which then suddenly came to life with the whole ensemble’s entrance with “Saturday Night”.

I was very impressed with the balance of voices and orchestra here, with some very intricate harmonies really coming through in the lively chorus numbers.

Despite having a rather sombre sounding title this show has some great music hall style numbers sung with gusto, very lively and fun to listen to and perform.

Some good characters from the Chairman played by David Slater, Montague Druitt played by Stewart Adkins and many other gentlemen playing a whole variety of roles very well.

Keiley as Marie Kelly had great stage presence and feel for her character and her singing was excellent and absolutely in the period.   Lovely costumes so in character here.

Emma Loring as Lizzie Stride/Queen Victoria moved from character to character with ease and was delightful in both.  A real sense of fun and a lovely singing voice, I really enjoyed her interpretation of both roles.

So many other characters all adding to the story line with each character giving great support and the feeling  of a” together” company show.

I did find that one of two of the main character's dialogue was difficult to hear and  there were a few issues with the sound which “boomed” here and there.

I assumed that all the soloists had head mikes and it was from the gentlemen this seemed to occur occasionally.

Great scenery and costumes which were so good.

A very interesting programme with lots of information about Jack the Ripper and the story line explained well.

A nice touch to have some Front of House people in costume and a really warm welcome and hospitality which is always appreciated.

We really enjoyed the production, well created and directed by Kerry with some interesting touches along the way.

Also James as Musical Director, in his first show with the company worked hard on the music and he produced some really good singing and also good support from the orchestra.

Two interesting productions coming up both from Witham A O S and W O W which I am sure will be audience favourites.

Thank you for a very pleasant afternoon’s entertainment.

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