Mack and Mabel

What an enjoyable evening! A show full of fun, slapstick, dancing, romance and pathos. A not so well knows story nowadays but one we can all identify with.

The show starts with an introduction to the end and our narrator Mack, played with charm and just the right amount of steely determination by Graeme Baird. His constant narrative, with his ‘if only’ comments, not only sets the scene but tells the story.

The first scene is a rush of different characters, all creations of Mack Sennett. We first meet 3 important characters to the plot. Lottie Ames (Kirsty Davidson) She gave us a strong performance as a devoted friend and a stylish tap dance. Frank Capra (Roo Mathieson) who managed the transition from newspaper boy to famous screenwriter with aplomb and a  sympathetic portrayal of his unspoken love for Mabel. Finally Rosco “Fatty” Arbuckle (Ross Robertson) who delighted the audience with his slapstick antics and comic timing.

Into the mayhem comes a delivery girl. Mable (Erin Nicoll) had that ‘special something’ and in this Erin was well cast. She captured that ‘special something’ throughout her transition from unknown to troubled star with very strong vocals and a moving interpretation of the love story that shaped Mabel’s life.

Other named cast were played true to their characters and the times they lived in. Kleiman and Fox (Keith Cuthill and Katarina Robertson) were the money focused backers, William Desmond Taylor (Fergus Bridges) the villain of the story. Other characters Phyllis Foster (Ali Niven), Andy (Adam McDonald), Ella (Margaret Baer), Porter Henry (Geo Doig), Cabin Boy (Harrison Cairney), Harry (Ryan Proctor), Gertie (Emily Baird) and Sam (Steve Middleton) completed the talented line up. Well done everyone!

The dancing was well rehearsed and slick in interpretation. Special mention must go to the tap dancing routines.  The set was effective with great use of a video wall for shots of ‘Silent Movies’ action. The singing was strong and the band expertly conducted giving us a delightful whole. Congratulations to the production team. Backstage stars shone with effective props, period costumes and smooth running. Sound and lighting completed the picture. Thank you for the welcome hospitality and the opportunity to celebrate with the cast some well deserved NODA awards. Enjoy your last show!

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