Lights, Camera, Action

I was warmly welcomed on arrival and  was able to discuss the performance at the end with Directors and Producers Cheryll Burton and Linda Garrad. They explained that they had put this production together with the theme of classic musicals which had been films or were films first. There were five sections with some mainly involving juniors, of which there were sixteen, some mainly using adults and others involving all the ensemble.

There was no set as such with some action taking place on the main stage but most action was on the apron stage at the front. There was a bar at the back of the stage which was used as a focal point for some numbers. Very few props were used, mostly tables and chairs around the bar. Lighting was used well for effect and sound levels from the backing tracks were just right. Most of the cast projected their voices well and could be heard clearly. Costumes were mostly supplied by the society and were relevant to each of the five sections. A screen was used accompanied by an announcement of the synopsis of the plots.

The company opened with a rousing selection from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and I was most impressed with the juniors all of whom were smiling and putting lots of energy and enthusiasm into their singing and dancing. Becky Thomas performed Truly Scrumptious very tenderly then sang Toot Sweets with Len Stockdale and Rob Dack. Ray Seager and Jean Donald followed with their duet of Chi Chi Face. A good opening section.

This was followed by a selection from Matilda with Gracie Seager as Miss Honey and Sandie Finbow as Miss Trunchbull. The juniors in their school uniforms did particularly well in this section with the star definitely being Amelia Browning singing Naughty. She really both looked and behaved the part and was quite delightful.

A selection from Rock Of Ages bought Act One to an end, featuring Capel’s own rockers ie Ray Seager and Emma Cranwell, not forgetting Gary Burton as Lonny. Lots for the ensemble to do here with plenty of action and dancing around the bar.

The juniors started Act Two with songs and action from Bugsy Malone. Lyla Parry was a sparkling Tallulah singing her solo with great confidence whilst Ava Robinson-Rogers gave a good interpretation of Blousy Brown. Lots for the juniors to do as customers, dancers and small named parts.

The final section featured songs from Sister Act involving the entire company. Bex Nicholls featured heavily as Sister Doloris Van Cartier and led the ensemble through a number of favourite songs. Rob Dack was Eddie and Sandie Finbow was Mother Superior.  But this section fittingly showcased the many talents of Bex Nicholls as this was her last production with the society having joined as a junior many years ago and now moved to another part of the country. Her energy and enthusiasm will be missed !.

Congratulations to the choreographers, Lynn Perera, Charlea Burwood, Cheryll Burton and Millie Sillett for really interesting routines, especially the rock numbers.

And congratulations to Linda and Cheryll for their vision and creativity in putting this production together and for working so hard with the juniors. This is one of the best shows I have seen from this society in recent years.

 

                                                     

 

 

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