Join us for this year's NODA Celebration Day

Lights Camera Action

Author: Joyce Pomeroy

Information

Date
28th November 2019
Society
Exmouth Musical Theatre Company
Venue
The Pavilion, Exmouth
Type of Production
Concert
Director
Jo Killoran
Musical Director
Kate Lees - Assistant MD Angela Blackwell
Choreographer
Debra Butler

 

Innovative thinking and much planning had gone into making this concert into an interesting and rather different experience.  As we entered the auditorium the fun had already begun.  The stage was set as if it was a film set, or at least behind the scenes of a film set.  There were lanterns and cabling stored in corners on the floor of the stage.  Ladders were in position and scaffolding in place.  Rails of costume were being moved about and an impatient DSM (?) was very firmly telling actors moving through the auditorium that they were late.  Luckily the audience quickly understood what was going on!  

Many musical numbers followed and some well-choreographed movement and dancing.  At times members of the cast were dressed as stage crew and techies or actors relaxing together and these musical numbers were casually set.  At other times they were dressed more formally and then the movement was set as for a performance.  There were chorus girls who sang and danced and we were treated to a beautiful solo dance.   There are so many lovely voices in this society and it seemed as if all of them had their moment to shine, and shine they did.  There was, of course, the Diva, the star, no doubt, of the film.  She looked fabulous in a gown to match her elevated position and sang beautifully, and with attitude -   her behaviour also demonstrated attitude!  

There was a fair amount of variety in the numbers that had been chosen, mostly from well-known films.  The greater number of them were accompanied by backing tracks but some were a capella,  some were accompanied by hands drumming on whatever was available. The choreography was entertaining and well suited to the musical numbers.  

There were many changes of costumes and they were colourful and fun.  Three members of the society, who were also on stage for this production,  were responsible for sourcing the costumes.  

The lighting was interesting and exciting and added much to the atmosphere of the evening.   The sound was operated by the same talented young man who had so successfully organised the sound for them for  Sister Act.  This time he was largely working with the venue's less than perfect equipment and although he was clearly doing a sterling job the clarity was not to the same standard.

The floor of the auditorium was set with some of the audience sitting at tables, cabaret-style, with the remainder on the tiered seating.  Visually this was a fascinating evening of entertainment.  There was so much of interest happening and the flow from one number to the next was excellent.  This society has a loyal following, mainly because they know they will experience a good quality of entertainment.  This concert was no exception and houses had been good for all performances.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the South West region

Funders & Partners