Oklahoma

One of the new wave of American musicals of the 1950’s and 1960’s surprisingly not performed by Carpet Trades until 2004 and repeated this year. The show has wonderful songs and a dramatic and humorous story line brought to life by this fresh and exuberant production by Darren Richards. Sarah Richards (Laurey) has an appealing manner well suited to this girl who cannot make up her mind whether to claim the man who is waiting for her. Good voice too. Julian Richards (Curly) has a fine clear baritone voice and an easy unselfconscious stage presence well suited to this role. Chris Paine his black hearted rival, Jud, steers well clear of caricature and fully conveyed the characters unattractiveness and frustration. His duet with Curly ‘Poor Jud’ was superb. Emma Paine (Ado Annie) was highly amusing and attractive as the girl who cain’t say no. Dave Clarke, “Will Parker” her cowhand boy friend was splendid and eventually won her hand leaving Doug Forrester an excellent “Ali Hakim” to a shotgun marriage with laughing hyena “Gertie Cummings”, Zoe Arran. “Aunt Ella” Cheryl Skidmore extracted all the humour in the part whilst being matronly overbearing. All the minor roles were well played and chorus and dancers added to the total enjoyment of the production. Two Keyboards, Bass and Drums proved that you don’t always need a large expensive orchestra and the Musical Director, Barry Hipkiss takes great credit for the sound and sparkle of the performance.

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