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Lights Up

Author: Vicki Avery

Information

Date
24th January 2019
Society
Stevenage Lytton Players
Venue
Lytton Theatre
Type of Production
Concert
Director
Linda Friis
Musical Director
Sufia Manya
Choreographer
Louise Edwards, Annette Clynes, Jan McGrath

I always look forward to The Stevenage Lytton Players evening of entertainment, “Lights Up”. It is a chance for members of the society to have their time in the spot light and show what they can do. This year was an absolute dolly mixture of song, dance, magic, and sketches all cleverly compared once again by the master of ceremonies Rob Paice. Rob has a very natural delivery which was very much appreciated by his audience on the evening I attended. 

Act 1 began with some close harmony work by the whole company, some 30 members, on the theme of Africa. Sporting a colour pallet of yellow, green and red, what a great start to the evening. 

Pearly kings and queens gave us “Cockney Mudley”, rock music sung in a cockney style. Very clever indeed, and then Tongue Twisters and a magic card trick came next. 

The Lytton Singers were next to perform with The Sound of 1959. Some good vocals here, with excellent projection. Ian Brown was next giving us a very slick “I Feel Good”. 

Time for a sketch and Louise and Ross Edwards played God and an angel trying to describe what different animals should look like after names had been chosen. Very funny and very clever. 

Mike Steele then performed solo with his own unique rendition of “Lost my Horn, found my Horn Gorn!!!!” A stalwart of the society, Mike never fails to entertain. 

Act 1 closed with a dramatic performance of Alfred Noyes’ “The Highwayman”.

Act 2 Opened with Strictly Jazz and Tap and showcased a set of ladies demonstrating their tapping skills. Well done, some good footwork here.

Next came audience participation time and a 4-team workout to David Bowie’s “Under Pressure”. This was well organized, and everyone love joining in, especially me!!

The Great Big Saw was a loosely based melodrama. I loved the moving feet behind the Great Big Saw, I thought it added to the silliness of the whole sketch.

Ross Edwards as Speedy Gonzales certainly brought a smile to many faces and the accent was perfect. 

Following Ross was his wife Louise in “Woof Woof”. All I can say about this performance is that I laughed and laughed not only at Louise who is a superb actress and singer but also at the reaction of the audience around me. I can say no more!!!!

Preparing for Tokyo was a very clever piece of theatre and Confessions of a Tooth Fairy in the style of a television interview brought newer members of the senior players to the forefront. 

“The Shambles” a traditional part of Lights Up every year was appreciated by all. If I Were Not A Noda Rep …..just what would I be, any suggestions?

The evening ended with Remembering 20 July 1969. Dressed in varying shades of blue the company sang a compellation of songs all relating to the moon. 

This was a great evening with a variety of acts to suite every taste.

Thank you to everyone for your hospitality and making John and I feel so welcome.

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