Our House

This production is based on the energetic and madcap songs of Madness and tells the story of Joe Casey.  On the night of his sixteenth birthday he takes his girlfriend Sarah out, and in an effort to impress her he breaks into a new building development.  As expected, the police turn up and at this point Joe’s life splits into two. The “good” Joe (who stays to help), and the “bad” Joe (who flees).

Under the direction of Giles Atkinson, GTP brought us an energetic and fun production.  I loved the “multi functional” set – complete with a well used mezzanine, and the Casey House that split in two to reveal clever storage for the car – who would have ever thought you could get a car on stage in a production at Guiseley Theatre!

Joe Casey and Sarah were played by Sean Rushton and Shelley Lofthouse – an excellent choice of leads for these roles.  I felt completely exhausted and dizzy by the end of the show just thinking about how many times Sean had to change (effortlessly I might add!) from “good” to “bad” Joe.  Congratulations to you Sean – and your dresser in the wings - for achieving all of those quick changes!  The role of Sarah is also complex, as this is also a “dual” role as the story follows the life of Joe Casey – good and bad. 

Darren Smith was excellent as Joe’s Dad, who has the difficult task of linking the whole story together.  Really strong vocals and clarity – great stage presence and great story telling!

I really enjoyed the supporting roles from Kylan Granger and Oliver Burnett as Emmo and Lewis – great delivery of comedy lines for such youngsters – well done!

Sarah’s bitchy friends, Billie and Angie (Charlotte Foss and Jess Langton) created nasty and mean, but also very funny, roles and there was obviously great camaraderie between the girls. 

Tobias Garbutt as bad boy Reecey played the part with great characterisation – very intimidating at times!  He also has a great singing voice and great stage presence.

With a strong singing voice and superb stage presence Alison Smith brought experience and heaps of emotion to her portrayal of Kath Casey – Joe’s mum. 

Billy Briar Sharps as building site owner Mr. Pressman played the part well.  There was also great support from Luke Armitage, Janet Magson, Sarah Kay, Chloe Thompson, Ceri Own and Matthew Leakey who all played many parts throughout the whole show.  So many costume changes for all of them!

The whole company looked like they were having so much fun on stage.  The energy and enthusiasm certainly came across to the audience.

With creative and energetic choreography by Kimberley Grillo and Kara Mottram, every single musical number just kept coming. 

The band, under the Musical Direction of Catherine Sweet, were brilliant and even joined in the fun of it all by wearing “fez’s” in the opening of Act 2 “Night Boat to Cairo”…of course!

Costumes, hair and make up all enhanced the production – as I’ve mentioned before I lost count of the number of times “Joe” changed his costume, but there were numerous costume changes for the whole ensemble too!

A brilliantly devised set with appropriate props, superb lighting effects, projection and excellent sound all in all made this a great evening’s entertainment – just what we all need to cheer up a dreary February evening.

It was a great pleasure to present NODA Long Service Awards to 4 long standing members of GTP (formerly GAOS) – 75 years, 65 years, 65 years and 55 years.  This is great testimony to how successful this Society have been…and long may they continue as they are all still “active” members of the Society in one way or another.  I’m looking forward to the Society’s Centenary celebrations next year!

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