Mack and Mabel

Mack and Mabel is based on the book by Michael Stewart with wonderful music from Jerry Herman and is based on the real life story of silent movie director Mack Sennett and his turbulent romance with Mabel Normand, his leading lady.

Dan Bates played a very convincing Mack and gave a great performance. We saw him take on the role of the Director unable to let anything get in the way of his desire to deliver as many films as possible, as fast as possible. I particularly enjoyed the tender moments that Dan delivered where we really saw his love for Mabel and a completely other side to his character.

Rachel Merrill was absolutely outstanding as the feisty Mabel Normand. Her dancing was beautiful, her singing was superb and she portrayed her character with confidence and warmth, I particularly enjoyed her rendition of ‘Time Heals Everything’.

Molly Parkinson shone in the role of Lottie Ames, lighting up the stage with her energy and pizazz. She led the girls in an impressive tap routine in ‘Tap Your Troubles Away’.

Jack Woolley as Mr Kessel and Stuart Bull as Mr Baumann were great fun with the Keystone Cops in ‘Hit em on the Head’.

Harvey Latter played the writer Frank Wyman, his acting fitted the part perfectly and we saw how his love for Mabel grew throughout the story. Other supporting roles were played by Milly Clover as Fatty and Gavin Owen as William Desmond Taylor.

The show had a very limited set, I liked the trucks and props and these worked well, but I would have liked to have seen either projections or a backdrop being used as the stage seemed quite dark from having the black backcloth throughout. However this did not detract from a very enjoyable performance. It was lovely to see a live band being led by Musical Director Charlotte Daniels who is a very talented MD. The rest of the production team were making their debuts in their roles and I must congratulate them all. Amy Clover, Director and Lilli White as Assistant Director made a great team, the acting and direction came across very well. Rachel Spence was the Choreographer with Josie Coleman as Assistant Choreographer. The choreography was excellent with a wide variety of moves used in the company numbers, Rachel and Josie are both very accomplished dancers and it was lovely to also see them perform in the show and shine on stage.

The lighting was excellent, delivered by David Price, I particularly loved the contrast of the lighting when Mack was in his own thoughts and David’s skilful ability to emphasise those key moments. The sound was also very clear by Sam Lenord. I enjoyed the comfortable raised seating at this venue and the programme was an excellent standard, I loved the movie theme throughout.

Huge congratulations to all involved in this production of Mack and Mabel and I look forward to seeing Calamity Jane in October later this year.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.