Musical Time Machine A new World

I always know I’m in for a fun, sometimes moving and well thought out show when I attend
Broad-Way Players. The ideas that the writers come up with to use music in entirely
different ways is great, and this time we had a few historical facts thrown in, so it was a fun
history lesson as well.

I am always impressed by the depth of inclusion in this Society, and the way everyone
pulls out all the stops along with the undoubted improvement shown by all the cast
members. I remember when they first started they were very diffident and tentative, now
there is confidence and energy on stage, which is great to see.

I love the scenery – the static set, enhanced by the backdrop trolley signifying different
eras and places, all well-chosen and used to the optimum effect. The props, which are all
hand-made by the cast are awesome, including the car with working lights and hydraulics,
so well done. The only outside help is the sound and lighting tech at the theatre, sound
was good – not a personal mic in sight, with some imaginative and sympathetic lighting.
I love the attention to detail in the costumes, all colourful and well-chosen, which helps to
create the overall feel-good factor of this Society’s shows.

Choreographically there were some good numbers, again very imaginative – the can-
canning football squad was huge fun, well done lads, whilst Michelle as Isadora Duncan
choreographed and danced a delightful lyrical piece, showing lovely graceful lines.
Connor-Lee gave himself strong moves in his Kung Fu number, good intention and
musicality. Ian made a good fist of choreographing the City Bankers section with Jackie.
Always good to see a different take on things, with Sarah showing her choreographic
expertise in other numbers.

There were two comedy highlights in the show – Lady Godiva on the back of a pantomime
horse, and the Dinosaurs – inventiveness at its peak.

The Directors always bring a completely new take on music and scenes for the cast to
interact with – the closing of act 1 was particularly poignant - in the trenches with a nod to
the recognised poems and quotes of the time, but accompanied by Any Dream Will Do –
so good.

The different concepts of historical detail and some interesting numbers that were not
mainstream, but gave the cast a chance to tackle something a bit more challenging was
very interesting, and could tailor the numbers to the strengths of the ensemble. A lot of
work, but well worth it.
The cast of Alice, Connor, Danielle, Ian, Hayley, Jamie, Jackie, Jane, John, Michelle,
Oliver, Sarah, Scott, Susan, Terry and Warren all performed and mostly projected their
voices well, with two newcomers, Danielle and Warren proving assets to the group.

I can’t mention everyone alongside their particular numbers, but suffice to say their energy
and confidence, along with lovely smiling faces made this a show that touched the heart,
and gave the audience much enjoyment.

My thanks to Broad-Way Players for their hospitality, good to catch up with many amdram
colleagues again for a charming evening’s entertainment.

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