MUSICAL MAYHEM

Compilation shows are always a little difficult to review, as there are so many elements, some good, some not so good, but overall an enjoyable evening, plenty of energy and enthusiasm on show.

In this type of production the production team/cast should beware of being self-indulgent, and whereas this can be a good feature, it must always be taken in the context of whole, and not detract from what the audience sees. 

I liked the premise of giving female songs to males and vice versa, it gave performers the chance to put a new slant on things, which was good, and worked well.

The lighting was good, it enhanced the stage and the performers, I was particularly taken with lighting effects where they concentrated on a single performer and were used to highlight the music.

The setting was fine, but as is always the case, I craved colour from the costumes, I know black is easy to wear, but some colour somewhere either shirts or tops would have just made it a nicer watch.  I also question the wearing of short skirts for ladies, not always flattering, I think long trousers or skirts would have made the overall look so much more cohesive.

I thought Connie Wiltshire did a good job with the ensemble numbers, they sounded really good, with lots of light and shade, movement was also good, and no-one looked worried with what they were required to do, which showed it was well thought out.

In an ensemble piece it is always difficult to name everyone in context with every musical number, so I will just concentrate on the ones that stood out.

Michelle Stanton compered the evening, it was good to have some background on certain numbers, however I felt that getting audience up on the stage did not add anything to the show, maybe it would have been sufficient to read out their dream songs.

Katie Osborne is a consummate performer, lovely voice, which she used to perfection in her solo numbers, plenty of facial expression too. 

Bryony Reynolds gave a stunning rendition of Being Alive, always so much expression and variety in her tone and voice, I also enjoyed her duet with Chloe White, lovely to see Chloe back on stage, her vocals were great too.

Mark Tuck gave a new meaning to “Somewhere That’s Green”, very bittersweet, and was very suitable for his voice.

I really liked Janine Wall and Natalie Shearer’s rendition of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”, lots of fun.

There were some good performances, and nice to see some new people joining TADS.  My thanks to TADS for their undoubted hospitality, aways a pleasure to attend their productions, we also caught up with many amdram colleagues during the evening.

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