OKLAHOMA

This show, one of the new type from America in the forties, is well known by most Societies and theatre going public, always popular giving scope for interpretation and characterisation among the cast. Wombwell did not fail on these counts as the depth of talent came to the fore.

Curly (Chris Webster) and Laurey (Teresa Roberts) combined well and kept the love/hate relationship up until the untimely attentions of Jud Fry aided them to a happy conclusion. John Crowther as Jud Fry was sinister and menacing without going over the top and his redition of his number "Lonely Room" was excellent.

Will Parker (Andrew Loades), Ado Annie (Kelly-Marie Ellis) and Ali Hakim( Jordan Ramsey) provided the on-going comedy keeping the audience amused with quick fire repartee and constant looking for excuses to either get into or out of marriage.

The whole action of the show was held together by Sue Gent playing the part of Aunt Eller. She gave a very good interpretation of a hard woman with a soft centre, knowing when to scold and when to sympathise and help.

Support roles by Les Smith and Carol Richards playing Andrew Carnes and Gertie Cummings were also well performed.

The solos/duets and the chorus work were of a standard which has become the norm for this Society and it was a pleasure to listen to the clarity and control.

Scenery, costumes and lighting all added to the success of the performance.

However, in spite of all the aforesaid it was noticeable that much of the show was static and in particular the lack of chorus movement during the "big" numbers in the score - the blame for this must lie with the Director. It begs the question that with so little chorus work in this show, why were they not used to greater effect?

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