Our House

What a challenge this show must have been to all concerned, but so professionally put over that no one would ever guess that there must have been many difficulties along the way!  As you know the show features songs by the band Madness and was named after one of the most popular songs, Our House.  It first opened at the Cambridge Theatre in 2002 and has gone on since then in great popularity so it was a very good choice for HATS as they have the experience both on and off stage.

The story, about extremely important life decisions, was told well by the talented cast with Oliver Albertella and Abigail Cox taking the main parts as Joe and Sarah, both using their expertise to bring these characters very much alive.  They were ably supported by the rest of the cast. Linda Thompson played Kath (Joe’s Mum) and Stan Fillery his Dad who both gave very moving performances.

Excellent work from Michael Fillery as Emmo, Chris Bevan as Lewis, Hattie Pemberton as Billie and Annalie Brown as Angie, together with Dan Adsett as Reecey, Trevor Fuggle as Mr Pressman and Tom Fox as Callum.

The rest of the cast included residents of Casey Street, School Children, Prisoners, Market Traders, Dancing Girls and as the programme mentions, all other parts too numerous to mention!  All played their parts with gusto bringing together a show not to be missed.

The singing and movement from everyone had been well planned and was well executed by everyone, thanks to the direction of Musical Director Michelle Radley and Choreographer Linda Thompson, with the assistance of Dance Captains Rachel and Charlotte Coleman.  Wardrobe was absolutely spot on, everyone looking as they should.

Michelle Radley’s band gave great support, making a wonderful sound and never overpowering the singers.

The set design with the rapidly opening and closing doors was fascinating and congratulations to all the backstage staff for their work on the many extremely quick scene changes.  I was glad to have the scenes in front of me in the programme so that I could keep up with where we were going!  Excellent programme by the way.

The whole production team and all involved are to be congratulated for bringing another successful show to Herstmonceux.

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