Our House

Entering the Berry Theatre Foyer I was warmly greeted by Sue and the front of house crew and was met by a large audience and noticed a real buzz of anticipation from a near sell out house. I felt that I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed.

The set was well struck and effectively used throughout with the wrong/right choices depicted with black and white doors on rotating triangular towers, very effective, and the white syche used as a projection screen to great effect, really adding to the show.

A small seven piece band provided a great soundtrack, and they kept a good pace under the direction of Richard Daniels. They sounded (and looked like) they were having a lot of fun. But this is a fun show.

The Principles were all confident and articulate in their roles. Joe Casey, the main protagonist was played extremely well by Lewis Philpot and never once did he loose concentration especially with the amount of costume changes. Lewis was very ably backed up by Lizzie Diaper as the love interest Sarah, and Emily-Rose Mould as Kath the mother, both of whom gave creditable and commendable performances. Ben Smart as the father held it all together very well and added real poignancy to the piece.

I did however think that the two “double Acts” of Joe's mates (Paige Ottaway and Ryan Charlton) and Sarah’s friends (Abbi Merchant and Rebecca Philpot) added real comedy and their portrayal and comic timing is to be commended.

However….

The choreography by Fay Anteney was of extraordinary quality. Each of the big routines were so well choreographed and executed that it’s obvious that a lot of time and effort has gone in and the cast well drilled. The enthusiasm, fast pace and sheer enjoyment from each and every member of the cast was all too evident. This came across right into the auditorium, making us all feel part of the performance. Very, very well done chorus, it turned a very good performance into a memorable one.

I cannot say how much I not only enjoyed Our House, but how impressed I am with all on stage (and behind, and even in the pit!) everyone deserves a huge pat on the back

I look forward to seeing your next show. It has a lot to follow.

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