OUT OF THE BOX
Date
6th May 2016
Society
Haworth-West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society
Venue
HAWORTH WEST LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
Type of Production
MUSICAL REVIEW
Director
JO MULLEY
Musical Director
DAVID ROOT
Report
Author: SALLY HOLMES
Haworth West Lane Baptist AOS promised us that “Out Of The Box” would release all those pent up ambitions of frustrated performers, who will be letting themselves go with humorous sketches, choral singing, solos and lots of fun...and it did just what it said on the tin!
This production was devised and directed by Jo Mulley, assisted by Christine Ingham, with musical direction by David Root and accompaniment by Karen Ballantine. It was a lovely evening’s entertainment. It was so nice to have a fresh, new programme of items – which definitely gave people a chance to shine!
With the opening selection from Fiddler on the Roof (a particular favourite show of mine) there were some lovely numbers - from Ian singing “If I Were a Rich Man”, Karon, Liz & Gill giving us all their interpretation of “Matchmaker”, Jasmine & Garry’s moving rendition of “Far From The Home I Love”, including the humorous “Do You Love Me?” from Janine and Ian to the choral singing of “Tradition”, “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Sabbath Prayer” which were a real treat.
Robert Drivers rendition of “Danny Boy” was very moving. He looked so nervous, but once he started singing any nerves he may have had simply disappeared. He has a beautiful voice and great control when singing.
The highlight of Act 1, for me, was the story of “The Famous Five go to Hebden Bridge” (a tribute to Victoria Wood with apologies to Enid Blyton!). This was a hilarious comic sketch from the 4 principles - Julian (played by Ron), Richard (played by Steve), George (played by Christine G – was she a boy or a girl on Friday night?) and Ann (played by Liz)...not forgetting Timmy the dog – ably played by Brandy Mulley! Congratulations must go to Jo Mulley for devising this excellent sketch and to the principles and rest of the “additional” parts for giving us all such a laugh.
Act 2 “set sail” with Lieutenant Cockatoo (based on the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner). This was a well rehearsed piece with lovely narration from George, Eileen, Steve, Stephen, Kathy, Tim, David and Liam.
Ian & Gill Dobson gave us a lovely rendition of “The Song That Goes Like This” from Spamalot – this really set the scene with laughs to lead us into “F.U.N.E.X.?” – which was expertly performed by everyone as a tribute to The Two Ronnies.
The final section was great fun – with Bob & Les performing their “pop numbers” followed by a bit of a competition between the ladies (Dream, Dream, Dream) and the gents (Blue Moon) this culminated in a “total audience” experience of singing along to “Thank You For The Music”.
“Thank You” for the music, the fun and the laughs...it was a lovely way to spend an evening at the theatre Haworth West Lane AOS.