Musical Memoir

This was an evening of nostalgia celebrating 85 years of Musical Theatre for Rhyl & District Musical Theatre Company, formed in 1939 and previously known as Rhyl & District Operatic Society. The Company’s first production in April 1939 was G & S HMS Pinafore followed by the still ever popular G & S Operettas. Except for the World War 11 years and the Covid Pandemic the Company frequently performed 2 productions a year, a repertoire of Musicals to be proud of. There was a real good mix of entertainment chosen which was interspersed with six Narrations during the evening from stalwart member Eddie Green, and young Ava Tudball. The Storytime Narrations on sofa, were most important with young Myla Blunt, Charlotte Clarke, Harley Cousins, Marlee Noble and Ava Tudball eagerly listening to the history of the Society. The Directors had obviously done a lot of research culminating in a first class programme of Musical Theatre on offer ranging from Kiss Me Kate to Hamilton, and South Pacific to Six.

‘Opening Up’ from the show Waitress set the ball rolling by the full cast with an excellent excerpt from Hamilton – ‘You’ll Be Back’ performed by Tom Foulkes. There were many notable solos, trios, quartets, - too many to mention them all I’m afraid, but giving each person a chance to demonstrate their talented stagecraft in this memorable Production. Olivia Gordon stunned us with ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade,’ from Funny Girl, together with many other  highlights, Ashley McAllister’s ‘If Ever I would Leave You’ – from Camelot which gave us many  poignant moments. Young Lily Tudball was full of confidence in a faultless ‘Gimme Gimme’ from Thoroughly Modern Millie, choreographed by Lisa. Rogers & Hammerstein of course featured with South Pacific’s ‘I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right out of My Hair’ and ending the first half with a very energetic ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ from Oklahoma by the Ensemble with Tom Foulkes, Harrison Daly and Carol Williams choreographed by Gail – foot tapping stuff!!  

Foot tapping opened Act 2 with a fabulous routine by the Ensemble –‘Tap Your Troubles Away’ from Mack and Mable, a wonderful tap routine choreographed by Lisa.  Thought provoking duet from Jessica Griffiths and Harrison Daly ‘Come What May’ from Moulin Rouge, lovely harmony followed by a rousing ‘Wedding Day’ from The Wedding Singer, featuring Ashley McAllister and full cast choreographed by Gail. Nikki Jones supported by the Ensemble was spot on with her ‘Bring on the Men’ from Jekyll & Hyde and one could tell she was really enjoying performing this number choreographed by Gail. The kids featured in many of the Ensemble numbers including ‘Consider Yourself’ from Oliver choreographed by Lisa and featured in their own ‘Oh the Things you can Think’ from Seussical, a great asset to the Society. The musical Six seems to have hit the high note lately and this item was expertly performed by Bethan Rice, Ella Haywood, Katti Harrison-Jones, Lily Tudball, Becky Noble, and Olivia Gordon nearly bringing the house down.

The evening ended with the full cast joining in ‘Chandelier’ from Moulin Rouge, including awesome costumes receiving a standing ovation. All who have enjoyed the experience they have received over 85 years as being part of this illustrious Society would have been delighted.

Thank you all for a reminder of the past and a glimpse into the future, a wonderful Production you can all be very proud of.

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