Our House

Technically challenging – I thought the Director had put an immense amount of thought into achieving the main objectives of the production, the overriding one to be to accomplish the changes between the “good/bad” Joe as efficiently as possible, which was definitely well done, with the use of the double helping to effect those changes.  Overall a good production, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm from the cast.

Musically good, with some nice harmonies from both principals and ensemble that came across well, and the use of off-stage singers to boost the sound, worked well.  The overture was striking and lively – engaging the audience and setting the scene well.

I enjoyed the choreography, it suited the feel of the show, and was mostly within the cast’s capabilities, although I did note a couple of ensemble members not entirely in co-ordination, and some instances where they were not entirely in sync!  That said, everything was accomplished with enthusiasm.

I appreciate the problems with the Spotlight stage in regard to it being very wide – but the set appeared to be adapted well, with the use of the two individual ‘doors’ to mark good v bad being well-operated, and the central sliding doors providing additional cast access and good access for the car, which was very much of the time.  However, it was noticeable that the back projection meant that the car looked as if it was reversing!

Lighting was suitable, but the sound was slightly awry – some late mic cues, and one point when four people on stage that their mics did not kick in at all, which was a shame.

Costumes generally suited the cast and the era, and were very colourful.

Ryan English (Joe Casey) was obviously an experienced performer (although this was his first outing with BTC), he gave Joe the right amount of good v bad vibes, despite what must have been a manic time behind the scenes! – I enjoyed his portrayal and his relationships with the other cast members.  Summer Parcell (Sarah) was charming, creating all the right vibes within the storyline, and good interaction with Joe and her friends.  I particularly enjoyed her number with Joe, both sang well and used the harmonies to advantage.

Brooke Daltrey (Billie) and Gemma Miller (Angie) were exactly right as the ditzy friends of Sarah, they injected fun, danced and sang well, and looked the part too.  I liked the interaction and characterisation of Joe’s friends Michael Champness D’Abreau (Emmo) and Harry Budd (Lewis), they provided comedy moments and again good interaction with Joe.

Alex Budd (Dad) and Hailey Budd (Kath) gave us the sensible adults, despite Dad being dead(!), trying to advise Joe to follow the sensible path and not get embroiled in criminality, the sense of stability and reason came through well, I liked the feeling of this strange relationship.

Ben Padden (Reecey) and Luke Clow (Pressman) gave us the two baddies. Reecey with ebullience and obvious enjoyment of his depravity, whilst Pressman was suitably unscrupulous, a good foil to the rest of the cast, who projected innocence and naivety.

Minor principal roles were undertaken well by ensemble members, with the ensemble generally adding much to the production with their confidence and enthusiasm.  The mega mix was awesome!

Overall a good production of a difficult show, that I thought was well-delivered on all levels, my thanks to BTC for their hospitality.

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