Magic Moments

A collaboration giving the whole cast the opportunity to shine. Smart black and white attire effective especially liking the ladies with black bow ties on their white blouses, of course perfect for the opening as there was no colour during the early days of TV. The scene was set for ‘Magic Moments’ a nostalgic meander down memory lane with sketches and songs from TV and wireless programmes, the lyrics of which just rolled out.

The idea required a great deal of research and rehearsal to create this packed enjoyable tribute to simpler times. Relaxed table seating works well in the venue – dressed in tablecloths with a variety of fliers and four large letters A-D for later use for use during audience participation in a fun session of panel game ‘Call My Bluff’. Some wonderful new words to me were used with some extraordinary meanings offered by the panel.

Thoughtful cameo sets were devised using blacks, a lovely plush red and gold trimmed backdrop, roll on flats, a candy-striped flown Maypole with coloured ribbons, a great table of ‘The Archers’ farmyard noises off, flying guitars, giant toothbrushes, Abbey Road signage to mention a few. Small props galore included the wonderful tradition of a good old cuppa. Congratulations on attention to detail. Neat stage settings and removals from the cast under the direction of SM Gary Pope who was also performing. Certainly, a multi-tasking cast.

Costume changes were many and neat from elegant evening dress to maypole spring flower headbands, miniskirts to Tyrolean lederhosen and dresses to Indian flower power kaftans, Mrs Mops in headscarves, and I have to say my very favourite was little Weed with her yellow petals with friends Bill and Ben – just loved their walk, script and flowerpot knock down episode. Magic days. A first-class wardrobe created by Margaret Punter.

Margaret Atfield played a huge role - collated, guided and accompanied the proceedings and when not doing that took part as a presenter. John Search joined her on guitar the group producing clarity of sound, and it was an opportunity to join in being of the generation of the very familiar words and tuneful melodies!! There were hits galore from Max Bygrave’s ‘I’m a Pink Toothbrush’ Eurovision’s ‘Puppet on a String’ Roy Orbison to the Beatles. We heard from ‘Mrs. Dale’s Diary’ that she was worried about Jim, Ron & Eth of ‘Meet The Glums’, the miming panel game ‘What’s My Line’ Still running ‘The Archers’ an everyday story of countryfolk, ‘Juke Box Jury’ hits – who was it who always said ‘I’ll give it five? Snippets of Spike Milligan’s nonsense, separated with lovely ballads and pop hits of the time. A  finale rousing colourful Beatles sing along of ‘Ob-La Di,  Ob-La-Da’ brought the curtain down. Good stage spacing and patterns using uncomplicated movement which was beautifully synchronised – well done with the Maypole ribbons and a ‘let your hair down’ moment rocking and rolling!

An easy to read, clear, black and white A5 programme was produced with front cover showing a wonderful old wireless set and cabinet TV.

Good company, a small but happy audience, well organised raffle and I won again. Thank you, Elisabeth, for your hard work that has just been rewarded by the Mayor of Bexhill so many congratulations  on your achievement in supporting live theatre as you do.

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