Our House - The Musical

Sodbury Vale Musical Theatre Club’s

Production of

“Our House – The Musical”
Director – Babs Harisson,
Musical Director – Bradley Parker,

Choreographers – Ella Jones, Ella Parker & Jess Hughes,

Assistant Producer – Alison Whaley.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative -

on Friday, 1st, May, 2026

at the Town Hall, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucester

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment

will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at
other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

It was good to be watching the latest offering from this group. Based on the music of
the musical group Madness it was written by Tim Firth and first performed in 2002. It
won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2003. I was pleased to have read a
synopsis beforehand as the plot lines are not always easy to follow. Although I
suspect most of the packed audience was here for the music and memories. The
whole cast was wired up for sound but I did find some of the vocals too fast and not
distinct enough – especially as we were trying to follow the story. I recognise that
pace was everything in this show but you have to ensure that you bring the audience
with you on this journey. Unusually the men were easier to understand rather than
the women.
Although I shall mention a few lead roles I want to start this report talking about the
group as a whole. We see an enthusiastic group never short of energy or breath. You
are blessed with some of the most lively dancers and singers in the area. You
manage to fill the stage with life on any of the main numbers and when you stop you
leave a massive gap until the next set number comes along. Having seen several of
your shows now I recognise faces dancing and singing with such feeling and
attitude. I know you are a varied group with different talents which you bring to the
shows. You are all a credit to the show and you all shine alongside the lead figures.
You reach the audience which is not easy to achieve. Please can we also remember
the talented people that clothe all the cast and the number of costume changes they
provide. I acknowledge those in the background on costumes and set and the
wonderful support they provide. Well done.

Firstly I want to mention David playing the role of Joe’s Dad. He really did have a
difficult job to do. His many entrances covered various forms of song which he
managed well considering how they altered in speed and pitch. But where was the
Director in supporting him. On every entrance he was left in a spot light ahead of his
musical cue – nothing to do to make him look more natural, in the role or ready for

the tone of the song. Congratulations David on handling a tricky role. We were
blessed with Tina playing the role of Kath – Joe’s Mother. Wonderful stage presence,
great accent and she relished the part. Grace playing Sarah had a difficult role to
tackle – her character rises above her upbringing but she still pines for her first
boyfriend. Well played. Some small nerves in the earlier songs but used the lyrics to
win us over. I would have liked to see her in a better costume when she had
qualified.
I had expected to see two actors used on the roles of Good and Bad Joe. But we
had only Victor to play both roles. Sincere congratulations on achieving being split in
two. You coped with the transitions well. I would have liked to hear a little more vocal
difference in the roles if only to clarify to the audience which Joe we were watching.
But Victor you achieved a real high to coping with double roles so well done. Thanks
should go to anyone backstage helping to dress you in such short time frames.
Musically there were plenty of highlights to please the audience and we all had our
own choices. Much to my surprise I enjoyed “Night boat to Cairo” and “Wings of a
dove” and I cannot explain why! But my favourite for the whole evening was the
absolutely beautiful duet between Grace and Joe on the park bench – “It must be
love”. Beautifully sung and acted – and spoke volumes on the relationship. Such a
gem! And almost hidden by all the up tempo numbers towards the ending.
So another show ends and happy audiences leave the Town Hall. Thank you for
allowing me to review tonight’s performance and I look forward to the next show.

Kind regards and thanks for your hospitality,

Bob Allen

NODA SW district 14 representative.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance

seen.

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