Jukebox Journey

For an evening of pure nostalgia the Orchard Players really stepped up to the mark with a selection of 50s and 60s songs linked together so well, and told a story along the way. This show had the audience singing and clapping along to most all of the numbers.

Devised by Val and Len Munns it took us on a Jukebox Journey with a great selection of soloists and very popular songs.

The set was excellent a typical diner complete with juke box,stylish bar stools and flashing signs which were so colourful. The wall paintings of cars from the period all add to the bright effect as the audience entered the hall.

There were far too many soloists to mention and all did so well, but “stand out” numbers for me were “Stupid Cupid” and Lipstick on your Collar” with Bex and the Juniors all in good form,

I also loved “Pink Shoelaces” with Adrian and Julie. “Does your Chewing Gum lose it’s Flavour”with both the Len’s and “Chantilly Lace” with Big Bopper Adrian were fantastic.

Also “Come Outside” from Adrian and Pearl was such a great number and played so well, and James for “Times they are a Changing” with James playing solo guitar, and the last numbers in the show”Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In” with Julie and the entire company brought back many memories and closed the programme.

Great credit must go to the entire company with some real energy on stage which came over to the audience.

Maria King as MD is also to be congratulated for her sterling work on keyboard along with a small band totally supporting the singers, and as I understand Maria did a great deal of the arrangements for the group. Well done !

Well done also to Val and Len for the original idea and to Val for her overall direction of the show which kept the pace going throughout.

I would also like to mention the costumes which are always so professional looking with The Orchard Players, and in this production a lot of work must have gone into researching the styles of the period which were spot on. Julie and her team did exceptionally well. Many Congratulations.

The next production will be the Pantomime which is already in hand.Forward thinking as time marches on. I look forward to “Jack and the Beanstalk”in January 2015.

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