Let's Do It

Let’s Do It

Pickering Musical Society

 

Director Courtney Brown, Assisstant Director Luke Arnold, Musical Director Sue Knowles and Choreographer Rebecca Neacsu

Kirk Theatre

9th June 2026

Pickering Musical Society once again demonstrated the remarkable talent within the company with Let's Do It, a wonderfully varied compilation of the music of Cole Porter. From the opening notes of the appropriately titled "Another Opening, Another Show" to the finale of the show's namesake "Let's Do It", audiences were treated to an evening that perfectly captured the glamour and charm of the Golden Age of musical theatre.

The production itself was beautifully and simply staged, allowing the music and performers to take centre stage while evoking the elegance of a bygone era. The decision to place the band on stage created an immersive atmosphere, and the orchestra delivered one of the finest musical performances I have seen from Pickering. Their sensitivity to the singers, carefully adjusting volume levels to complement rather than overpower the performers, was exceptional.

Under the direction of Courtney Brown, assisted by Luke Arnold, with Sue Knowles as Musical Director and Rebecca Neacsu providing the choreography, the show was expertly structured. Song transitions flowed seamlessly, creating a smooth and engaging evening, while the cast's obvious enjoyment of performing together radiated from the stage.

Vocally, the company was superb throughout, showcasing the impressive depth of talent within Pickering Musical Society. The choreography was thoughtfully crafted and made excellent use of both the dancers and chorus. The senior dancers from the Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance were fantastic as always, while the solo dance performances were executed beautifully, particularly during the tap routines.

Similarly, the Musical Theatre Group brought an abundance of youthful talent to the stage. Their rendition of "Be a Clown" was bursting with energy and enthusiasm, making the entire audience smile and proving that there are many stars in the making.

Among the many highlights, Imogen Wood and Lucas Ashworth delivered a charming and energetic performance of "Stereophonic Sound", while the Junior Ensemble, led by Destiny Sampson and Keeley Wilson, delighted with "Brush Up Your Shakespeare", one of the evening's standout numbers. Another favourite was the ensemble's stylish performance of "I Love Paris".

Danielle Long gave a touching rendition of "In the Still of the Night", while Sue Smithson brought perfect inflection and comic timing to "I Hate Men". Torin Leigh-Brown and Eleanor Rowntree were simply delightful in "You're the Top", their chemistry and enjoyment of performing together evident throughout.

Warmth and comedy were provided in abundance by Daphne Kirk and Sue Smithson in "C'est Magnifique", while Paula Cook delivered a sensational performance of "You've Got That Thing". Director Courtney Brown also demonstrated his own comic flair with several performances, particularly the wonderfully entertaining "Always True to You".

Rachel Anderson impressed throughout with excellent vocals, culminating in a truly moving rendition of "Every Time We Say Goodbye", beautifully supported by the ladies' ensemble.

Special mention must go to Torin Leigh-Brown, whose exceptional performances throughout the evening were made even more admirable in the second act when microphone issues affected his final two numbers. Despite the technical difficulties, he soldiered on without wavering, ensuring that he could still be heard and delivering a particularly beautiful performance of "True Love".

Let's Do It was a wonderfully constructed and thoroughly enjoyable evening that celebrated Cole Porter's timeless songs with style, humour and affection. Packed with memorable performances, outstanding musicianship and infectious enthusiasm, this production once again showed why Pickering Musical Society continues to be such a treasured part of the local arts scene.

 

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