Movies and Musicals

Show Report: Movies and Musicals by Batley Amateur Thespian Society

Batley Amateur Thespian Society (BATS) delivered a delightful evening of entertainment with their cabaret-style show, Movies and Musicals. It was lovely to be seated cabaret-style, with tables creating an intimate atmosphere. The room was full, and the buzz of an engaged audience set the tone for a vibrant performance.

The show opened with a medley of ABBA hits from Mamma Mia, a joyous sequence brimming with symbolism and homage to the iconic group. The choreography was cleverly designed to capture ABBA’s spirit, and the company’s harmonies stood out, establishing the high musical standard for the evening.

Act 1 continued with selections from classic musicals, including Oklahoma, South Pacific, Showboat, The Sound of Music, and Gypsy, before transitioning to more contemporary works such as Chicago and a medley by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber. Among the standout moments were Pam Jagger’s rendition of Everything’s Coming Up Roses and Jo Owen’s heartfelt performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye.

Jagger’s vocal control and dynamic range brought nuance and character to her performance, effortlessly portraying both fragility and strength. Owen’s ability to act through her song drew the audience into every emotional beat, leaving a lasting impression. Both performances were staged simply but effectively, allowing their vocal and emotional talents to shine.

The comedic highlight of Act 1 was Gotta Get a Gimmick, performed by Dominique Hammond, Andrea Ball, and Suzanne Mawson. This number had the audience in stitches, showcasing the performers’ comedic timing and chemistry.

Act 2 took the audience into the more recent era of stage and screen musicals. It began with the high-energy Six, a perfect choice to set the tone for the second half. Charlotte Jones delivered a confident and poignant performance of The Life I Never Led from Sister Act, drawing a thematic parallel to the six queens’ untold stories.

A treat for the audience came with Shallow from A Star Is Born, performed by Charlotte Jones and Richard Walshaw. Walshaw’s acoustic guitar accompaniment added authenticity to their heartfelt duet, and their voices blended beautifully.

Frank Hammond brought infectious energy with Rhythm of Life, enhanced by vibrant ensemble choreography. In contrast, Bui Doi, led by Robert Burns and the ensemble, delivered a tender and powerful moment. The a cappella opening was hauntingly beautiful, and Burns’ warm, rich tone anchored the performance with emotional depth.

The evening concluded with an uplifting Les Misérables medley, featuring iconic numbers such as At the End of the Day, On My Own, Red and Black, Master of the House, Stars/Bring Him Home, and Do You Hear the People Sing. The company excelled in this finale, with standout vocals from Scott Jeffrey and Kevin Mawson. It was the perfect way to end the evening, leaving the audience on a high note.

Directed by Frank Hammond and choreographed by Dominique Hammond, Movies and Musicals was a testament to BATS’ talent and versatility. The thoughtful direction, clever staging, and tight choreography brought out the best in a strong ensemble. Congratulations to all involved for a joyful and memorable production!

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